A rally was held in Odesa in support of Crimean political prisoners

On November 7, a protest rally called “Black Sea” took place in Odesa, dedicated to the Crimean hostages held by the Russian Federation and to the image of the Black Sea as a symbol of genocide and ecocide.

A photojournalist from Intenta attended the event.

As Aziza, an artist and organizer of the event, explained, “Black Sea” is part of a series of events in support of Crimean hostages called “Silent Scream.” This time, it was dedicated to the Black Sea as a symbol of the genocide that Russia is committing against Ukrainians, the Crimean Tatar people, and occupied Crimea. It is also a symbol of ecocide, since, according to Aziza, the Black Sea is suffering as well.

She emphasized that this is the seventh time such an event has been held in Odesa. According to her, the organizers want to be the voices of those living under occupation and in Russian torture chambers.

“Every day in Russian captivity could be the last, and this is especially true for civilians, whom it is very difficult to bring back to free soil,” Aziza said.

She explained that she chose the format of not only a protest but also a performance because she believes that art and vivid imagery attract more attention and can inspire people who are distant from this issue to join the fight.

Oleg Shevchuk, an actor, acting instructor, and former military serviceman, joined the campaign. He said that the issue of Crimean political prisoners is close to his heart, as he himself was born in Crimea and his family’s history is connected to the Crimean Tatars.

Shevchuk believes that the Crimean Tatars find themselves in a particularly difficult situation, as Russia is persecuting them in the occupied territory and effectively using them as hostages.

Among the Crimean political prisoners whose stories have personally moved him, Shevchuk named filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. According to him, he knows Sentsov personally.

He also said he is concerned about the Ukrainian government’s attitude toward prisoners of war. In his view, their fate is a matter of concern first and foremost for their families, and only then for the state. He said that without appeals to the relevant authorities—specifically the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)—no one will secure a prisoner’s release. Shevchuk added that one of his comrades is currently being held captive.

Ірина Глухова