Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses deep concern over the decision of the Tarasovskyi District Court of Rostov region of the Russian Federation adopted on 4 February 2016 on the extension for six months of illegal detention of a citizen of Ukraine Serhiy Lytvynov.

Taking this decision the court has taken into account neither evidence compiled by the defense, proving his noninvolvement in incriminated deeds, nor the petition submitted by the defence to change preventive measure to house arrest.

Court openly ignored the motion by Serhiy Lytvynov not to involve the state counsel and assigned a lawyer, trying in this way to create additional leverage during further consideration of the merits.

Information about the use of psychological pressure and torture against Serhiy Lytvynov during the investigation is of particular concern.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine demands from the Russian side to stop political persecution of the citizen of Ukraine Serhiy Lytvynov and to ensure his immediate release.