Day 751: Savchenko in Court Giving Final Speech; Bailiffs Detain Singing Supporters

Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko at her final speech in court March 9, 2016, giving the finger to the Russian criminal justice system. She vowed to continue her hunger strike until returned to Ukraine. Screen grab from live feed by RFE/RL

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Yesterday’s live coverage of the Ukraine conflict can be found here.

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An Invasion By Any Other Name: The Kremlinâ€™s Dirty War in Ukraine

Ukrainian Pilot Savchenko To Be Sentenced March 21-22; Continues Dry Hunger Strike, Suffers Heart Trouble

2016-03-09 08:36:30

The live feed has picked up again, and Mark Feygin, Savchenko’s lawyer, spoke to reporters. Reporters are now outside the courtroom.

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Translation: Nadiya’s final speech was the most impressive event that I have ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot. #FreeSavchenko

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Translation: March 21-22 at 11:00, the sentence will be given.

Part of Savchenko’s final speech and gesture of defiance can be seen on this video.

“Until Savchenko hears coherently that she will be returned to Ukraine …we will not likely be unable to persuade her to end the hunger strike,” said Mark Feygin.

Savchenko’s other attorney, Nikolai Polozov, says she is suffering fever and tachycardia induced from the hunger strike and they are very concerned about her health

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Translation: Nadiya says she has a fever, her temperature is about 38 degrees Celcius. But she is determined to speak in court no matter what.

— Catherine A. Fitzpatrick

Imprisoned Ukrainian Pilot Gives Final Speech in Court; Live Feed Interrupted as Supporters Sing Ukrainian Anthem, Bailiffs Escort Out

2016-03-09 08:23:47

Imprisoned Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko was in court this morning giving her final speech in Ukrainian, with Russian translation.

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Translation: In the Donetsk court room.

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Translation: the trial has begun. Nadezhda is giving her final speech. She is speaking in Ukrainian. #FreeSavchenko

The live feed can be seen here:

But it has just been interrupted as some supporters began singing the Ukrainian national anthem along with Nadiya, and were escorted out of the room by masked court bailiffs. There is a message that it will be back soon.

— Catherine A. Fitzpatrick

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