High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Tatiana Moskalkova addressed Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Nils Melzer for the protection of the rights of Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik.

According to information available to the federal ombudswoman, the health of Alexander Vinnik has significantly deteriorated.

"The hearings on his case are held at night and have a negative impact on his physical condition. He is not allowed to walk in the fresh air," the statement says.

In addition, the Russian citizen is banned to communicate, including phone talks, with his wife and two minor children. He is also refused to have access to magazines and books.

"In this regard I ask you, dear Mr. Melzer, to consider the possibility of your visiting Alexander Vinnik, as well as addressing the French authorities with the demand to eliminate the current violations of the rights of the Russian citizen and to provide him an opportunity to see his wife and children, restore contacts with the outside world and allow him walking in the fresh air," the statement says.

The High Commissioner also addressed Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, head of the delegation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to PACE Petr Tolstoy, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Konstantin Kosachev and Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutskiy with a request to draw attention to the violation of the rights of Alexander Vinnik at the parliamentary level, as well as in the course of communications with colleagues from parliamentary delegations from foreign states and at international venues.