Believe it or not, the person you see before you now is the same individual, with only a few months making all the difference. It was during this period that Sergey crossed paths with us, marking the beginning of a transformative journey from the "before" in photos to the "after" today. That's precisely why we want to share this story.
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At the onset of russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, Sergey was in detention in Kherson. The occupation of this territory by russian armed forces led to Sergey and 2,500 other inmates from the entire region being transferred to Golopristanska Correctional Colony No. 7, and later forcibly taken through Crimea to russian territory.
Sergey describes this period as the most dreadful ordeal of his life. Hunger, threats, constant beatings by the new russian administration in detention and correctional facilities, grueling journeys in cold vans through Crimea, endless humiliations, and violence from the guards, russian military, and administration - Sergey had to endure it all.
In the fall of 2022, Sergey was transferred to serve the remainder of his sentence in Correctional Colony No. 14 in Krasnodar Krai, russia. He shares that even basic medical services were unavailable in this correctional facility, and he was forced to interrupt his HIV treatment.
In February 2023, Sergey was released from CC-14 and moved to the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens (TDCFC), where he also had no access to medical care. In April of the same year, he was transported to the Georgia border, Verkhny Lars checkpoint.
UnMode specialists provided informational support to Sergey from the very beginning of his stay in the TDCFC. We met him at the Georgia border and brought him to a safe place where he could stay for an extended period at no cost. We helped address his basic needs, including humanitarian matters, arranged a consultation and examination at one of the medical facilities in Tbilisi, and assisted in resuming his antiretroviral therapy (HIV treatment taken lifelong). We processed all necessary documents for his return to Ukraine and organized the logistics for his journey home.
Even after Sergey returned home, our assistance in his story did not end there. Yanina Stemkovska, UnMode's representative in Ukraine, actively played a role in Sergey's life after his return. She arranged his accommodation in a hostel in Kyiv, found shelter with a partner organization that accepted him, and helped Sergey travel to another city. Currently, all medical and social issues are being handled by the Center.
UnMode prepared a statement to the Prosecutor's Office of Kherson Oblast, demanding recognition of Sergey as a victim of illegal actions by russian authorities during the war. As of today, Sergey's statement has been sent to the Chief Department of the National Police for investigation and criminal proceedings (response attached). We have also requested the case to be transferred to the International Criminal Court.
UnMode continues to support Ukrainians in russian prisons and seeks resources to help each of them return home. It may seem impossible, but despite everything, we believe in the power of civil society and the force of good. Good always and inevitably triumphs over any evil. If you know Ukrainian citizens in Russian prisons or their relatives, please pass along our contacts:
E-mail: unmode.contact@gmail.com
Telegram: +380 633 71 34 37
Signal: +995 591 06 02 55
If you are a lawyer, legal expert, journalist, human rights defender, or specialist in the fields of HIV infection, tuberculosis, prisoners, refugees, and migrants, and you have ideas, willingness, and time to help Ukrainian citizens in russian prisons, please get in touch with us.