Sentsov starts writing new script in Russian jail

Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service Valeriy Maksimenko has said illegally convicted Ukrainian film director Oleh Sentsov has started writing a new script while serving his term in a Russian jail. "He has already started writing a new screen story. This will be a story about life in jail and prisoners. Therefore, inspiration does not leave him," he said in an interview to the Russian newspaper Izvestia. He also assured the doctors were constantly monitoring Sentsov's state of health.

Sentsov was arrested in Russian-occupied Crimea in spring 2014 and in August 2015 he was sentenced to 20 years in prison following an unfair trial where he faced "terrorism" charges stemming from his opposition to Russia's occupation of Crimea. He has been serving his term in a penal colony in the town of Labytnangi, Russia's Yamal. Sentsov began his hunger strike on May 14, 2018, demanding that Russia free all Ukrainian political prisoners. Doctors supported his life with the help of a nutrient mix. In early October, Sentsov announced he had to end his hunger strike due to the deterioration of his health and a threat of forced feeding. Ukrainian Parliament's Commissioner for Human Rights Liudmyla Denisova says Sentsov has not been provided with adequate medical support amid his hunger strike.

UNIAN