Date of Birth: February 29, 1968

Abducted Since: March 16, 2022

Last Known Location: Hostomel, Kyiv Region

Political Sponsor: Max Lucks (Alliance 90/the Greens, Member of the German Bundestag)

Imprisonment

When Hennadij’s hometown was occupied, he stayed behind to help an elderly woman who had been injured during a failed evacuation attempt on March 5, 2022. The car she was in was shot at by Russian military, but she survived with a spinal fracture. Her son asked Hennadij to take care of her. The Russian military did not allow anyone to enter or leave the occupied area, and Hennadij was trapped. On March 16, 2022, the Russian military abducted Hennadij directly from his home.

He has now been held illegally and unjustly for almost two years under inhumane conditions in the Russian Federation. Hennadij suffers from severe chronic health issues that require urgent medical treatment. According to his family, he is being held in Penal Colony No. 10 in the village of Udarny (Zubovo-Polyansky District, Republic of Mordovia, Russian Federation).

Health Condition

Before his imprisonment, Hennadij suffered from chronic cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease). His right kidney had undergone surgery (hydronephrosis). While in captivity, Hennadij contracted tuberculosis and pancreatitis. He also lost almost all of his hearing. His condition worsens daily.

Status: As of March 2024

Letter to the Russian Ambassador

Subject: Request for the Immediate Release of Ukrainian Civilian Hennadij Sherban

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudswoman Moskalkova,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilian Hennadij Sherban (born February 29, 1968), who was unjustly abducted and arrested on March 16, 2022, in Hostomel, Kyiv Region.

On that day, Russian military forces abducted Hennadij directly from his home. He has now been held illegally and unjustifiably for nearly two years under inhumane conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation. Hennadij suffers from serious chronic health conditions that urgently require medical treatment. According to available information, he is currently detained in Penal Colony No. 10 in the village of Udarny (Zubovo-Polyansky District, Republic of Mordovia).

I am particularly alarmed by consistent reports of torture and mistreatment of detainees in Russian penal colonies and pre-trial detention centers. Hennadij Sherban is an innocent civilian being held without any legitimate legal basis. The rights and freedoms of individuals in such situations must be fully respected and protected under international law.

I strongly urge you to advocate for the lawful and humane treatment of all civilian detainees in Russia, especially those abducted from Ukraine. Please ensure that Hennadij is granted contact with his family and provided with appropriate legal representation.

Respectfully,

Letter to the Ukrainian Authorities

Dear Ambassador [INSERT] / Dear Ombudsman Lubinets,

I am writing to draw your attention to the arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilian Hennadij Sherban (born February 29, 1968), who was unjustly abducted and arrested on March 16, 2022, in Hostomel, Kyiv Region.

On that day, Russian military forces abducted Hennadij directly from his home. For nearly two years now, he has been illegally and unjustifiably detained under inhumane conditions on the territory of the Russian Federation. Hennadij suffers from serious chronic health conditions that require urgent medical treatment. According to available information, he is currently being held in Penal Colony No. 10 in the village of Udarny (Zubovo-Polyansky District, Republic of Mordovia).

I received information about Hennadij’s case from the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR), which supports Ukrainian civilian detainees through public outreach, advocacy, and sponsorships. The organization is in close contact with the families of abducted civilians and actively works to raise awareness of the torture and mistreatment many face while in Russian captivity.

I have already addressed an appeal to the Russian authorities, highlighting the case of Hennadij Sherban and calling for his immediate release.

I sincerely thank you for your tireless efforts to protect the Ukrainian population and for your ongoing dedication to supporting abducted civilians.

Respectfully,

Addresses

Ombudswoman of the Russian Federation
Tatyana H. Moskalkova
Smolenskij, d. 19, str. 2
119121 Moscow
Russia

Ombudsman (Human Rights Commissioner) of Ukraine
Dmytro Lubinets
Human Rights Commissioner in the Ukrainian Parliament
Vulica Instytutska, 21/8
01008 Kyiv
Ukraine
Email: hotline@ombudsman.gov.ua