Pavel Sapelka: “Sannikov is kept in the conditions defined as tortures”

Lawyer Pavel Sapelka spoke about real conditions in the KGB jail for his former client, presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov.

Pavel Sepalka was disbarred two weeks ago. Today he is giving an interview to “Salidarnasts” newspaper.

– When did you last see Andrei Sannikov?

– It was on February 16. Of course, I wanted to see Sannikov and at least tell him what actions are taken to defend him. But I was not able to do this as I wanted. It was like that: I enter the office, an investigator and Sannikov are already here, or Sannikov comes later. The interrogation begins. Sannikov and I cannot talk to each other, because the investigator says it is forbidden. We cannot discuss questions related to the case. The only thing the investigator was so kind to allow me was a short conversation regarding what things or food Sannikov needs in the next parcel to the KGB jail.

– How did he feel? His health and psychological state?

– We must do something so that his health to be examined. And this examination must be open to society, which also should be able to control it. We must seek a real medical examination of Sannikov. At least his family should be informed about the results of the examination.

As for what impressions I have… I’ve seen a lot. But I try not to speak about this while Sannikov is in jail.

– If you say what you have seen, it could perhaps help Sannikov, could it?

– As for violations of the law I noticed, I appealed to the bodies, which are responsible for correcting violations, in an established order. The results of my appeals will be seen during trials, I suppose. If there will be trials. The results of the appeals cannot be revealed during the investigation, unfortunately.

– What was the subject of the appeals?

– The state of health, methods of detention used and methods of carrying out an investigation.

– As I understand, you do not want to speak about your impressions in order not to…

– In any case, my impressions are personal. Secondly, it may worsen the situation.

– But you are not a lawyer now.

– It may worsen the situation for Sannikov.

– Did Sannikov write any letters of repentance?

– In any case, I don’t know. I doubt he did. But whatever Sannikov could write in these conditions, it must not taken into account at all. This period of life must be forgotten. Whatever he could write, do and whatever evidence he could give, all these should not be taken into account. This man is in the conditions defined as tortures according to international norms. He has faced cruel and inhumane treatment, to say the least.

– Could you tell who his neighbours in the cell are? What are the conditions in the cell?

– According to the latest information I heard from him, he was still in the cell designed for fewer people. He slept on a wooden board on the floor. I won’t describe other “pleasant” things, as other former prisoners have already lifted the veil of secrecy.

– Could you give you forecast for the cases against Sannikov, Sevyarynets, and Dashkevich?

– I’d rather not make forecasts. As for Dashkevich, I see some variants, but I don’t have any ideas of Sannikov and Sevyarynets, especially bearing in mind the recent trials over participants of protests of December 19.

– What is the most important for Sannikov now: to be released and preserve health?

– I think just to be released. Under any conditions. The sooner the better.