Statement on the abduction of the mayor of Melitopol Mr Ivan Fedorov
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13. März 2022 In Aktuell, EN

Statement on the abduction of the mayor of Melitopol Mr Ivan Fedorov

Violations of basic rights of civilians and attacks against civilian infrastructure will not be forgotten and all perpetrators of such acts will be pursued under international law, say MEPs.

After the abduction of the Mayor of Melitopol Mr Ivan Fedorov, a group of MEPs who participated in the recent Parliament`s Fact Finding Mission to Ukraine issued the following statement on Saturday.

“We are appalled and shocked by the illegal abduction of the Mayor of Melitopol Mr Ivan Fedorov by Russian armed forces. Mr Fedorov was courageously carrying out his job as Mayor and coordinating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the citizens of Melitopol.

This is yet another example of the illegal, cynical and barbaric acts perpetrated by the Russian armed forces in the context of their reckless and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. We call on the Russian military authorities to free Mr Ivan Fedorov immediately and to ensure that his health and safety is preserved. We urge the Russian authorities to fully respect the Geneva Conventions on combatants and non-combatant civilians and prisoners of war, as well as all relevant provisions of International Humanitarian Law.

These are not only legal obligations for the Russian Federation but they represent the collective moral obligations of the international community, including the citizens of Europe and Russia. Violations of basic rights of civilians and attacks against civilian infrastructure committed under the watchful eyes of the international community, including the United Nations and European Union will not be forgotten and all perpetrators of such acts will be pursued under international law. We remain determined and committed to fighting impunity and will seek accountability and justice for all innocent citizens of Ukraine.

We condemn Russia’s continued shelling of civilian houses and objects, its lack of cooperation in the evacuation of civilians and reiterate our call on Russia to immediately stop its aggression and invasion of Ukraine, and to withdraw its troops from the country. We reconfirm our unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”

Source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220312IPR25402/statement-on-the-abduction-of-the-mayor-of-melitopol-mr-ivan-fedorov