UGCC calls to protect a Ukrainian seaman faced with death penalty in Iran
The Marine Apostolate of Ukraine calls to protect a Ukrainian seaman, Andriy Novichkov from Odessa, who is facing a death sentense in Iran, the UGCC website reports. “Ukrainian seaman Andriy Novychkov needs protection of the state, and we appeal to the President of Ukraine and the international community to protect his right to justice,” said Fr Oleksandr Smerechynsky, a priest of the UGCC and the head of the Maritime Apostolate of Ukraine. According to Fr. Oleksandr, the sailor from Odessa who is currently under arrest in Iran, faces a danger of being convicted unfairly, since, according to the testimony of the accused, there is a prejudice against him in connection with his Christian faith. Also, the Ukrainian does not have a professional lawyer and translator and cannot even understand what is being discussed at court hearings. “According to the information available today, the course of the investigation causes a lot of suspicion of bias, and without a proper investigation process, justice cannot be established,” says the sea chaplain. “We ask the government to interfere and ensure that the seaman's trial is conducted in Ukraine or in another independent court. It is an unacceptable situation is when a citizen of Ukraine is treated under the laws of the Middle Ages.” According to media reports, Senior Assistant Captain Andriy Novichkov has been in jail for more than a year on assassination charge. If the Sharia court finds him guilty - he faces the death penalty by hanging.
