Detention: In October 2023, Valeriy Lizun from Yalta was detained by FSB officers of the Russian Federation. He was accused of allegedly collaborating with Ukrainian intelligence services. According to the Russian investigation, Lizun, along with Dmytro Pastashchuk, allegedly transmitted information to representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Sentence: In July 2024, Valeriy Lizun was sentenced to five years in a penal colony for allegedly transmitting data "about the situation on the peninsula" via messenger. Experts state that the charges lack sufficient evidence for such a severe sentence. Human rights defenders believe that the Russian authorities use such cases to create a perception of a constant "sabotage threat" in the occupied territories. These processes are accompanied by an active information campaign by Russian state media, which showcase detentions and disseminate the investigation's version even before the trial begins. As a result, the presumption of innocence effectively disappears, and the accused face significant social and political pressure.

Human rights defenders also view Valeriy Lizun's case in the context of a broader campaign of persecution against Crimean residents for contacts with Ukraine. After 2022, the number of criminal cases in occupied Crimea under articles on treason, espionage, terrorism, and sabotage has significantly increased. Many such cases are initiated based on private correspondence, social media contacts, or accusations of transmitting information about Russian military movements.

Information used from open sources: ZMINA, Ukrinform, Krym.Realii.

Update date: 18.07.2026.