[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONDEMNING THE 22-YEAR SENTENCE ISSUED AGAINST NADIYA SAVCHENKO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 2016

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I condemn the verdict and 22-year sentence 
issued today against Nadiya Savchenko by Russian authorities. The 
verdict shows disregard for the rule of law and is completely unjust. I 
once again call on Russian authorities to release her immediately.
  Throughout Savchenko's detention and trial, I have been deeply 
troubled by the serious violations in due process. Since her capture 
and imprisonment in July 2014 on trumped-up charges, her trial and 
hearing dates were repeatedly delayed, and her trial venue were moved 
to a remote region in Russia, difficult for observers to reach. 
Savchenko also endured interrogations, solitary confinement, and forced 
psychiatric evaluations.
  Since her capture, Savchenko has come to represent the spirit of an 
independent Ukraine, free from interference and eager to embrace the 
will of its own people. I join the people of Ukraine in expressing my 
deep concern for her well being, and in protesting her verdict and 
sentence.
  I continue to call on Russian authorities to release Nadiya Savchenko 
immediately.

                          ____________________