The health of journalist Iryna Danylovych, who was convicted by the Russians, is deteriorating

The health of Ukrainian journalist and nurse Iryna Danylovych continues to deteriorate. She was illegally convicted by Russian occupiers.

This was reported by the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

During her unlawful imprisonment, Iryna began experiencing hearing problems. The woman has now completely lost hearing in her left ear. She has also suffered at least one micro-stroke and frequently experiences dizziness.

Thanks to the efforts of her family, lawyers, and human rights activists, Danylovych has received minimal treatment. At the same time, she has yet to undergo a full medical examination.

The medications Iryna is currently taking do not alleviate her constant pain. They only relieve some of the symptoms.

It has been emphasized that Danylovych requires urgent, highly specialized medical treatment. Without it her life could be at risk.

The Mission called for her immediate release, stating:

«The appalling conditions of detention for Ukrainian political prisoners in Russian prisons are yet another tool of pressure from the aggressor country, endangering the lives and health of Ukrainian citizens.»

The state body urged the international community to respond to the Russian Federation’s criminal actions, which blatantly ignore international humanitarian law, and to increase pressure on Russia.

More about Iryna Danylovych

As a reminder, on December 28, 2022, the Russian occupiers sentenced Crimean journalist and nurse Iryna Danylovych to seven years in prison. The sentence was handed down by Natalia Kulinska, a «judge» of the Feodosia City Court. In addition to the prison sentence, Danylovych was fined 50,000 rubles.

The day before, on December 27, the «state prosecution» had requested a seven-year prison term and a 60,000 ruble fine for Danylovych. This was reported by the human rights organization Crimean Process.

Yulia Matveyeva, a representative of the Russian state prosecution, claimed during the trial that the defendant’s guilt «had been fully proven.»

However, the defense pointed out numerous contradictions in witness testimonies, the inadmissibility of certain evidence in the case file, and instances of perjury by one of the «witnesses,» who turned out to be a Crimean police officer, according to Radio Liberty.

Danilovych was accused of illegal actions involving explosives or explosive devices, with the Russian FSB alleging that she had constructed an explosive device using medical needles.

The Prosecutor’s Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea has opened a criminal investigation into the illegal searches and detention of Iryna Danilovych. Ukrainian civil society organizations continue to demand her release.

Iryna Danilovych worked as a nurse and managed a social media page, along with several blog columns focused on the rights of healthcare workers and healthcare issues in the occupied peninsula.