TIMELINE: Medical Neglect as a Weapon: Crimean Journalist Iryna Danylovych’s Health Deteriorates Amid Unlawful Russian Imprisonment
Iryna Danylovych, born on 6 May 1979, is a human rights advocate, citizen journalist, and medical professional known for uncovering issues within the Crimean healthcare system. She worked closely with independent media to shed light on politically motivated trials in Crimea, despite facing harassment due to her journalism and activism.
Danylovych was abducted and forcibly disappeared by “unknown individuals” in Koktebel, occupied Crimea, on 29 April 2022. Simultaneously, Russian security forces raided her home, confiscating her phone and equipment. After an intense search, her lawyer located her on 11 May 2022 in a pre-trial detention center in Simferopol. Danylovych reported enduring torture and mistreatment while in custody, being coerced into signing a confession she had not read. She was later falsely accused of violating Article 222.1 of the Russian Criminal Code related to explosives and labeled a 'foreign agent' by the Russian Ministry of Justice.
2024
August 19
Danylovych is in a critical situation after a medical staff member at the correctional facility arbitrarily stops the journalist’s prescribed xylometazoline for her severe ear condition. As a result, Danylovych suffers asthma attacks due to the lack of proper treatment.
August 1
Bronislav Danylovych, the father of Danylovych, passes away at the age of 78 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was the leading advocate for his daughter's release and a staunch supporter of human rights.
May 14
The Fourth Cassation Court of General Jurisdiction in the Russian city of Krasnodar upholds the sentence of Danylovych: 6 years and 11 months of imprisonment and a fine for allegedly storing explosives.
May 2
The scheduled appeals procedure for Danylovych is rescheduled to May 14, 2024, due to technical issues.
April 29
Danylovych chooses not to participate in the upcoming appeals procedure due to deteriorating health and lack of medical care. Her case is deemed politically motivated by human rights organizations, linked to her criticism of the health care system in Crimea.
2023
October 10
Danylovych encounters difficulties in obtaining her prescribed medication and suffers a total loss of hearing in her left ear.
August 14
Danylovych is illegally transferred to correctional colony No. 7 in Zelenokumsk, Stavropol Territory, a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits forcible transfer and deportation of civilians outside an occupied territory.
May
The Supreme Court of Crimea reduces Danylovych's sentence by only one month following the appeal hearings.
March 22
Danylovych experiences health complications, including hearing loss, severe headaches, and coordination issues, with inadequate medical assistance and embarks on a dry hunger strike to protest ill-treatment.
March 21
Danylovych faints during transportation to the "Feodosia City Court" without receiving immediate medical attention.
2022
December 28
Danylovych is found guilty by the court in Feodosia, Crimea, of violating Article 222.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and is sentenced to seven years of imprisonment.
June 3
Danylovych's lawyer locates her in a pre-trial detention center in Simferopol, where she is confined in a cell lacking basic amenities like a bathroom. During her stay, she faces interrogation regarding her suspected ties to foreign intelligence agencies.
May 7
Danylovych is brought before the Kyiv District Court in Simferopol and is charged with illegally handling explosives under the Russian criminal code. If convicted, she faces up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to 100,000 rubles ($1,560).
May 2
Danylovych's family files a report with the Crimean prosecutor regarding her disappearance. Simultaneously, her lawyer submitts an appeal to the Russian Prosecutor's Office of Crimea, requesting information on her suspected abduction or purported detention.
April 29
Iryna Danylovych is abducted by Russian authorities.