Ukrainian Teen Remains In Custody in Russia

Ukrainian teenager Pavlo Gryb, who was illegally detained in Russia, is in custody again. According to a March 20 Facebook post by Gryb’s father Ihor, his defense lost a court appeal.

Pavlo’s father also wrote about the constant psychological pressure his son faces at the hands of the Russian Security Service (FSB) investigators.

“20.03.18 there was another court of appeal. He is in custody again. He has already been behind bars for seven months,” the Facebook post reads.

Ihor Gryb also posted pictures, in which Pavlo appears to be very thin. According the the post, Pavlo also had to have an operation in September.

“No one knows his actual state of health and how long he will be able to survive in these conditions,” his father adds.

Ihor Gryb also stated that Pavlo’s mother and the Ukrainian consul came to see Pavlo, but they were removed from the courtroom.

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“Complete isolation from the world. No letters, no visitations. Today, another official refusal from investigator Karpyuk for Pavlo to see his mother was submitted to the Consul General of Ukraine in Rostov-on-Don. We pray and hope,” Gryb’s father wrote.

Consuls were previously prohibited from attending the hearing on Gryb’s detention.

Gryb’s sister has sent a letter to the Council of Europe.

Gryb went missing in August 2017 after travelling to Homel in Belarus to meet an online female friend. His father then alleged that the FSB had lured him there under the pretence of a date and arrested him.

READ MORE: A Ukrainian Teen Went To Meet A Girl. Then He Was Kidnapped By Russia

That claim proved largely correct after Pavlo resurfaced in September 2017 in Russian detention. He stands accused of “abetting terrorist activities” in Russia.

/By Sofia Fedeczko