The occupation authorities in Donetsk delay the process of liberation of the famous Ukrainian academician Igor Kozlovskyy and other hostages. Aid of international organizations is required for their release.
The occupation authorities in Donetsk delay the process of liberation of the famous Ukrainian academician Igor Kozlovskyy and other hostages. Aid of international organizations is required for their release.
Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, head of the Centre for release of hostages Yuri Tandit said it in the comment to Ukrinform.
“I think that in addition to what we do, we must rely on the support of international organizations. What is the point? The point is that it is not an ordinary prisoner, he is really a civilian, he is an elderly scholar. The problem is that someone is trying to play a game around Igor Kozlovskyy, they (the occupation authorities - ed.) need to "save face." If it is clear about the guys who defend Ukraine in arms (they can bring charges that they kept guns in their hands), this person is not innocent. It is more difficult in the case of Kozlovskyy to maintain the “image” of any kind if order. They will be buying time with the release of hostages. For Igor Kozlovskyy the result may be different, but we hope that he will be released,” Tandit said.
He also confirmed that since September 2, 2016 Kozlovskyy is on the SSU lists for release.
“I can confirm the information that staring from September 2, 2016 Igor Kozlovskyy is on the list of the Security Service of Ukraine of hostages to be released,” Tandit said.
Advisor to the head of the SBU said that at all meetings of the Trilateral contact group in Minsk the Ukrainian side raised the question of his release.
"At all meetings in Minsk we put him on the lists and always tell our negotiators and raise this issue. Another aspect to take into account is the attitude of Russian puppets of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to him. Given that this is an elderly man who has not been involved in combat activities with arms in hand. He is just a patriot of Ukraine. The only thing you can blame him of, is that he always said that the Donetsk and Luhansk are a territory of Ukraine,” Tandit said.
He also explained that the charges against Donetsk scholar was rigged.
“He was planted two grenades, a search took place in his absence and in fact he was accused of possession of ammunition. He cannot be charged with anything else,” Tandit said.
It was reported that Igor Kozlovskyy was detained by militants on January 27, 2016. According to Kozlovskyy's wife, the scholar remained and did not leave Donetsk due to the fact that he was caring for a sick son.
On March 16, 2017 users of social networks, activists began a flashmob #FreeKozlovskyyy to draw attention to Igor Kozlovskyy who was held captive by militants. Participating in the flash mob were by prominent bloggers, politicians, artists and actors.
Igor Kozlovskyy is a Ukrainian scholar and public figure, Ph.D., president of the Center of Religious Investigations and International Spiritual Relations, head of Donetsk regional branch of the Ukrainian Association of Religious Studies, president of the Donetsk regional public organization "Center of Discovery", head of the International Center for Christian-Muslim dialogue and cooperation.