Geneva, March 28, 2025 — The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine acknowledges and supports the statement made today at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva by French human rights activist Christine Mirre concerning the ongoing detention of Ukrainian scientist and member of the Academy, Dr. Oleg Maltsev.

Ms. Mirre delivered her remarks on behalf of two prominent human rights organizations, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience (CAP/Liberté de Conscience) and Human Rights Without Frontiers, drawing international attention to what she described as a politically motivated and legally unfounded case.

She stated:

"CAP/Liberté de Conscience and Human Rights Without Frontiers are deeply concerned about the unfounded charges against Dr Oleg Maltsev, an internationally recognized Ukrainian scholar.

Maltsev practices in psychology and criminology. He also authored a book about war crimes, using the Wagner Group as an example.

The case against Dr. Oleg Maltsev was illegally initiated by SBU officer Yevgeniy Volosheniuk, who continues persecute the Ukrainian scientist and his colleagues. This persecution is related with personal revenge of Volosheniuk.

Since his arrest in September 2024, Maltsev has been detained in a prison of Odesa. Six of his employees were also arrested. Like Maltsev they are held in inhumane conditions and are pressured to testify lie against him. The judges are also to be under pressure by the SBU.

Maltsev suffers from several serious medical problems. Despite his health conditions, the judges refuse to release him on bail. Maltsev is virtually doomed to die in prison.

We urge the Ukrainian authorities to release him without delay."

Dr. Maltsev is the Presidium Members of the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and is recognized internationally for his extensive academic contributions. His detention, under conditions widely described as inhumane and degrading, has raised profound concerns within the academic and human rights communities worldwide.

The European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine fully supports the call for immediate and impartial review of the case. We reaffirm our commitment to the defense of academic freedom, the protection of scientists from politically motivated persecution, and the upholding of Ukraine’s obligations under international human rights law.

We call upon the Ukrainian authorities to ensure due process, respect for human dignity, and compliance with international legal standards in all proceedings related to Dr. Maltsev.

 

For inquiries, please contact:
Support Group Coordination Office
European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Email: supportgroup@euasu.org