Krym.Realii journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko released after more than 4 years in prison in Crimea

Freelance journalist of the Krym.Realii (Crimea.Reality) project (Radio Liberty) Vladyslav Yesypenko was released from russian prison on June 20 - he left occupied Crimea after more than four years of captivity, Radio Liberty reports.

In 2022, a russian-controlled "court" in Crimea sentenced Yesypenko to five years in prison and a fine of RUB 110,000. He was accused of "collecting information for Ukrainian special services" and "storing explosives."

Radio Liberty President Stephen Kapus emphasized that the journalist was tortured - both physically and psychologically - simply for telling the truth about the situation in occupied Crimea. "For more than four years, Vlad was punished for a crime he did not commit... We are happy for his return to his wife Kateryna and daughter Stefania, but we do not forget the pain that Russian repressions have caused this family," he said.

Radio Liberty thanked the governments of Ukraine and the United States for their assistance in the journalist's release, as well as everyone who supported the campaign for his release.

Vladyslav Yesypenko was detained in March 2021 by FSB officers. For almost a month, independent lawyers were not allowed to see him. Russian media then distributed an interview recorded under pressure, in which Yesypenko admits to collaborating with Crimea.Reality. He covered social and environmental problems and filmed reports about life on the peninsula.