We, the undersigned, urgently call upon the Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O' Flaherty, to initiate international intervention and conduct a thorough investigation into the wrongful detention and potential malicious prosecution of Dr. Oleg Maltsev.

We also demand immediate action and international oversight into the case of Dr. Oleg Maltsev, a respected Ukrainian scientist, who has been wrongfully detained by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Dr. Maltsev, an internationally recognized scholar, is facing politically motivated charges based on fabricated evidence. His health has deteriorated due to inhumane detention conditions, and his basic human rights have been flagrantly violated. 

Case Background:

Dr. Oleg Maltsev, was arrested on September 12, 2024 by the SBU. Не is charged under Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which concerns the establishment of illegal armed or paramilitary formations. There have also been attempts to bring charges under Article 109 (actions aimed at forcibly changing or overthrowing the constitutional order or seizing power) and Article 111 (high treason) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. However, the prosecution lacked the necessary evidence to substantiate such serious allegations.
In this context, it is important to note that Dr. Maltsev has not committed any violent acts against any individuals, nor has he taken any measures aimed at seizing power. Furthermore, both before and during the war, Dr. Maltsev did not demonstrate any support for Russia, as confirmed by his colleagues and associates.

Furthermore, since the onset of the conflict, Dr. Maltsev has actively engaged with the global academic community, diligently striving to uphold and enhance Ukraine's scientific reputation on the international stage.

Dr. Maltsev’s Contributions:

• As a member of the European Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Dr. Maltsev organized the “Unknown Wars” conference in 2022, which highlighted global implications of the ongoing conflict.
• Facilitated the inclusion of articles by seven Ukrainian scientists in a special issue of American Behavioral Scientist dedicated to the war in Ukraine.
• Published several significant articles addressing Ukraine's pressing challenges, including:
  - “Does Ukraine have the right to be a member of the EU?” — Answered affirmatively, supported by findings from two scientific expeditions demonstrating Ukraine's historical, economic, and cultural ties to Europe.
  - “War Crimes: Their Nature and Parameters” — Explored the legal and ethical dimensions of war crimes.
  - “The Impact of Russian Military Aggression on the Psychological Health of Ukrainian Youth” — Analyzed the conflict's effects on mental health.
• Collaborated extensively with international scholars to address the war's geopolitical and social implications.
• Played a pivotal role in the creation of a special issue of American Behavioral Scientist titled “Terrorism Through Different Lens”, contributing two key studies: “Countering Terrorism: Sociopsychological and Geopolitical Aspects” and “Psychological Underpinnings of Terror Awareness: A Comprehensive Dive into Ukrainians’ Perception of Terrorist Threats Amidst War Tensions”.
• Delivered a major address at the international conference “Local and Global Consequences of War in Ukraine” in June 2024, which featured 34 scientists from 10 countries.
• Developed an innovative sporting shooting discipline, Urban Tactical Shooting (UTS), tailored for self-defense and civilian survival during wartime and urban combat scenarios.

Eight weeks prior to his arrest, Dr. Oleg Maltsev announced the forthcoming publication of his book in the United States, titled “Strike in the Deadliest Manner Possible: Talking About War Crimes”. This work, written in English, is a profound exploration of war crimes, drawing upon historical precedents and contemporary cases from the war in Ukraine. Experts and collaborators involved in the project have expressed grave concerns, suggesting that Dr. Maltsev’s arrest is politically motivated.

Another perspective on the motive behind Dr. Oleg Maltsev’s arrest centers on his initiative to develop a new shooting discipline. This innovative discipline aims to equip individuals with the skills they need to survive and act responsibly in high-pressure, life-threatening situations. Dr. Maltsev’s colleagues assert that his research in this area may have been misinterpreted as a threat, arising from a fundamental lack of understanding and communication between the scientific community and the authorities.

The scientist is currently held in life-threatening conditions in the Odessa detention center, which in 2021 was recognized as unsanitary by the European Court of Human Rights.

Conditions of Dr. Maltsev's Detention:
1. Unsanitary Living Conditions:

• Bedding infested with bed bugs, exposing detainees to unhygienic and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.
• Limited access to showers, with prisoners allowed to bathe only once a week. Shower cubicles are insufficiently equipped, with most taps often nonfunctional and water temperatures impossible to regulate.
• Toilets are not separated from living areas, leading to pervasive unpleasant odors due to old and poorly maintained drainage systems. Prisoners must use improvised “curtains” made from sheets for privacy.
• Absence of hygienic sanitary facilities that offer privacy and meet basic health standards.
• Cells are damp, with crumbling walls, damaged floors, and rusty, deteriorated sanitary installations.

2. Additional Harsh Conditions:

• Insufficient electric and natural lighting, which adversely affects prisoners’ health.
• Inadequate insulation and heating, leaving cells exposed to harsh external temperatures.
• Limited access to fresh air or artificial ventilation, exacerbating the poor living environment.
• Substandard quality of drinking water and food, posing further health risks.

3. Psychological Pressure and Punishment:

• Repeated transfers between cells over several weeks, often worsening living conditions with each move.
• A deliberate incident where a forbidden cell phone was allegedly planted and “discovered,” resulting in Dr. Maltsev’s transfer to a punishment cell—a confined, unheated solitary space devoid of washing facilities.
• Denial of bathing for a period of 10 days, coupled with the refusal to allow a change of underwear and clothes, further exacerbating the already dire conditions.

Supporters of Dr. Maltsev contend that the conditions of his detention, particularly in light of his serious illnesses, are being deliberately made unbearable. They believe this is an attempt to coerce him into choosing between two untenable options: to either confess to a crime he did not commit or to die under harsh conditions while maintaining his innocence.

Legal Violations in the Case of Dr. Oleg Maltsev

The handling of Dr. Maltsev’s case has been marred by significant legal and procedural violations, which undermine the principles of justice and due process. These include:

1. Breach of the Presumption of Innocence: Information from the pre-trial investigation was deliberately leaked, violating the principle of confidentiality and undermining Dr. Maltsev’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
2. Harassment and Defamation: The arrest was accompanied by widespread harassment on the Internet. Anonymous social media channels, including Telegram, disseminated personal photographs of Dr. Maltsev, accompanied by defamatory content. These posts defame his honor and dignity, scientific reputation, have signs of discrimination on the basis of appearance or certain external characteristics, as well as intellectual discrimination.
3. Slander and Misrepresentation: The SBU press office issued statements unfairly labeling Dr. Oleg Maltsev as a "GRU agent," a claim that was subsequently echoed by the media.  
4. Psychological Pressure on Associates: The social and professional environment surrounding Dr. Maltsev was subjected to significant psychological pressure, further eroding the integrity of the case.
5. Violations of Procedural Law: Despite a court ruling mandating the return of Dr. Maltsev’s legally registered sporting and hunting weapons, authorities deliberately delayed the execution of this decision.
6. Neglect of Complaints: Numerous formal complaints detailing violations in Dr. Maltsev’s case were submitted to the Prosecutor General’s Office. These complaints were not satisfied.
7. Inadequate Medical Consideration: Following searches, Dr. Maltsev was hospitalized and placed in intensive care, requiring a wheelchair for mobility. Yet, immediately upon his discharge from intensive care, he was transferred to a pre-trial detention center without sufficient time for medical rehabilitation.
8. Undue Pressure on Investigative and Judicial Authorities: The court was fully aware of the scientist's severely compromised health. Despite this, he was transferred to a pretrial detention center immediately following his discharge from intensive care, without being afforded the opportunity to undergo necessary rehabilitation. Moreover, while the charges against him fall under an article that permits bail or house arrest, the court chose to disregard his medical condition as a mitigating factor and denied these alternatives.

We Urgently Request Attention to the Following:

• The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, in its 2023 report, officially classified the conditions of detention in the Odessa detention center as inhuman and degrading. These findings underscore the severity of the environment in which Dr. Maltsev is currently confined.
• Medical assessments confirm that Dr. Maltsev suffers from bronchial asthma and diabetes, conditions requiring careful management and a suitable living environment. Despite this, he is held in a room with approximately 80% humidity, no ventilation, and inadequate heating—conditions that severely compromise his health. Moreover, recent restrictions have prohibited the provision of home-prepared dietary food. These factors collectively pose a grave and escalating threat to Dr. Maltsev’s well-being.

Appeal for Justice and Compliance with International Norms

The cumulative effect of the aforementioned conditions underscores the inhuman and degrading treatment endured by Dr. Oleg Maltsev during his detention. Such treatment strongly suggests a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which unequivocally prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Furthermore, Article 15, Paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights—ratified by Ukraine in 1973—explicitly obligates States Parties to uphold the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity. Dr. Maltsev’s detention, marked by degrading conditions and apparent political bias, contravenes these principles.

As a member of the Council of Europe, Ukraine is duty-bound to adhere to the human rights norms enshrined in the Convention and other international treaties. In light of these obligations, we urgently request:

• A Change of the preventive measure to house arrest in connection with the deterioration of the health of Dr. Maltsev and the inhuman conditions of his detention.
• The initiation of an international dialogue to ensure that Dr. Maltsev’s case is examined without bias or undue influence from any authority.
• A formal investigation into potential human rights violations associated with Dr. Maltsev’s arrest, detention, and trial proceedings.
• The establishment of a monitoring mechanism by international human rights organizations to ensure transparency in the handling of this case and to prevent undue pressure on judicial processes.
• An on-site visit by independent international representatives to assess the conditions of Dr. Maltsev’s detention and the broader context of his case.

Why This Matters

The case of Dr. Oleg Maltsev holds profound implications not only for justice but also for the protection of scientists and the advancement of knowledge in times of conflict. The arrest and politically charged accusations against Dr. Maltsev constitute an alarming encroachment on academic freedom—a fundamental right that underpins scientific progress and societal development.

Dr. Maltsev’s contributions, including his research on the war in Ukraine, the psychological impact of conflict, and creating discipline tailored for self-defense and civilian survival during wartime, are a testament to the vital role of scholars in addressing global challenges. However, his detention sets a dangerous precedent: it signals that scientists may be silenced through criminal charges fabricated under politically motivated circumstances. If such practices become normalized, it will have a chilling effect on the global academic community, instilling fear among scholars and deterring them from pursuing critical research, particularly in politically sensitive areas.

The implications of this case extend beyond Dr. Maltsev. It threatens to erode the very foundation of scientific inquiry by stifling open dialogue, critical analysis, and the dissemination of knowledge. Such actions not only undermine individual freedoms but also jeopardize scientific progress, particularly in times of crisis when innovation and evidence-based insights are most needed.

Dr. Maltsev’s arrest is a direct affront to the principle of academic freedom enshrined in international human rights law. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect scholars and ensure that their work is not hindered by political agendas or punitive actions. By standing against such practices, we defend not only the rights of individual scientists but also the broader ideals of knowledge, progress, and the pursuit of truth.

Sign the Petition: We urge the international community, human rights organizations, and concerned individuals to join us in demanding justice for Dr. Oleg Maltsev. We ask for your support in securing justice for Dr. Maltsev, ensuring his safety, and protecting his right to continue his vital work.