Let’s Continue the Protest for Oleg Sentsov

The European Film Academy appeals for money (and further signatures). FIPRESCI, the International Federation of Film Critics, supports this appeal.

In the face of the 20-year verdict for the Ukrainian filmmaker the European Film Academy wishes to express its deep shock. During the past days, supporters, institutional and individual, have gathered well over 1,000 signatures for the EFA letter to the President of Russia and Russian authorities asking for Sentsov’s immediate release.

“We have experienced an unprecedented wave of solidarity across Europe”, says EFA President Wim Wenders, “and that includes Russia, with people from all different backgrounds joining in their protest against the treatment of Oleg Sentsov.”

Although the key witness had retracted his testimony as given “under duress”, the trial based on the accusation of Oleg Sentsov having committed “crimes of a terrorist nature” was continued, prosecution called for a 23-year sentence, and now he was sentenced to 20 years in jail.

“It is a very sad day but we must continue to protest and to make sure that Oleg Sentsov will not disappear in a prison somewhere”, says Wim Wenders, “We will do our best to keep his voice in public awareness, and we are confident that this great international coalition of institutions and individuals will continue co-operating for the cause of liberating Oleg Sentsov.”

You can still add your signature to the letter by sending an e-mail to p.edelmann@europeanfilmacademy.org and donate money for the coverage of legal expenses and to support his young children.  

All donations are welcome – any amount will help! Thank you!  

European Film Academy e.V.
IBAN: DE69 1005 0000 0190 3335 70
BIC/SWIFT: BELADEBEXXX
Reason for payment: Donation for Oleg Sentsov  

PLEASE NOTE: EFA cannot issue donation receipts in this special case due to German tax rules!

EUROPEAN FILM ACADEMY e.V.
Pascal Edelmann
Tel. +49 30 887 16 70
Fax +49 30 887 16 777
p.edelmann@europeanfilmacademy.org
www.europeanfilmawards.eu
www.europeanfilmacademy.org