MOSCOW, Dec 13: Dual Russian-French citizen Anna Novikova, detained in France on suspicion of espionage, said in a letter obtained by RIA Novosti that she did not lose heart and received letters of support from different countries.
On November 25, Le Parisien newspaper reported that French intelligence services had detained three members of the SOS Donbass organization, which provides aid to residents of Donbas, including the association’s head, Anna Novikova. They are suspected of spying for Russia. The detainees deny all charges against them.
“No matter what, I’m holding on and not losing heart. I have received many letters of support from the French. I even received a letter from Thailand yesterday. There were a couple of letters from Switzerland,” Novikova said in a letter.
It helps to stay positive and “believe that someday this madness will end,” Novikova said. She also said that the Russian consul had asked the French authorities for an opportunity to visit her in prison.
Novikova did not complain about the conditions in prison and said that there is a TV and a refrigerator and that the food is good.
“An Orthodox priest comes to us on Saturdays. We can do sports, go to various master classes. I’ve signed up for a job, and I’m waiting for my turn,” Novikova added.
Le Parisien reported, citing the French prosecution, that the detainees had been charged with “conspiring with a foreign state,” “carrying out activities to collect information of interest to a foreign state,” and “conspiring to commit a crime.”
On November 26, the Russian Embassy in Paris confirmed to RIA Novosti that Novikova had been detained. The Russian diplomatic mission emphasized that Novikova also has French citizenship, which, according to diplomats, limits their capabilities in this situation to a certain extent.
Novikova collaborated with RIA Novosti as a freelance stringer. (UNI)
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