The case of journalist Iryna Danilovych has been referred to the UN
This was reported by the Institute of Mass Information, citing a statement from the organisation “Reporters Without Borders”.
RSF and the US-based Human Rights Foundation have provided updated information on Iryna Danilovych to six United Nations special rapporteurs.
The appeal relates to reports of a deterioration in the journalist’s health and possible violations of her rights whilst in Russian custody.
According to an RSF source, Danilovich is suffering from depression and is not receiving the letters sent to her.
Human rights defenders have called on the UN Special Rapporteurs responsible for issues of torture, freedom of expression, women’s rights and the protection of human rights defenders to urgently examine the case of the Ukrainian journalist.
RSF’s statement
Antoine Bernard, RSF’s Director of Advocacy and Assistance, stated that Iryna Danilovych has been held in Russian detention centres for over four years because of her journalistic work.
According to him, her state of health is a cause for serious concern.
Bernard called on the United Nations to intervene in the situation, secure the journalist’s release and hold Russia to account for the persecution of Ukrainian media professionals.
What is known about Danilovych’s state of health
During her time in detention, Iryna Danilovych’s health has deteriorated significantly.
According to human rights activists, the journalist has suffered a stroke, lost her hearing in one ear and has repeatedly complained about a lack of proper medical care.
In 2024, she reported suffering from heart and neurological problems.
In 2025, it emerged that Danilovich was being held at Women’s Colony No. 7 in Zelenokumsk, Stavropol Krai, Russian Federation.
What is known about the journalist’s case
Iryna Danilovich was detained by Russian security forces on 29 April 2022 in occupied Crimea after returning from work.
During a search of her home in the village of Vladislavivka, electronic equipment was seized.
In December 2022, a Russian-controlled court sentenced the journalist to seven years’ imprisonment on charges of allegedly possessing an explosive device. Her sentence was subsequently reduced by one month.
Human rights organisations and media associations have repeatedly stated that the persecution of Danilovich is politically motivated.
What international proceedings are ongoing
On 28 April 2026, the European Court of Human Rights began hearing two applications by Iryna Danilovich against Russia.
The first concerns her unlawful detention, whilst the second relates to the journalist’s inclusion in the Russian register of so-called ‘foreign agents’.
In January 2026, Danilovich also called on the international community to raise the issue of Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russian prisons as a result of the war more actively.
Who is Iryna Danilovych?
Iryna Danilovych is a citizen journalist from occupied Crimea and a nurse by profession.
She has collaborated with the media projects “Inzir-Media” and “Crimean Process”, and has also reported on issues within the healthcare system and the rights of medical workers on the occupied peninsula.
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