Blogger Anatoly Shariy fears for his life in Spanish exile
Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy, who fled his home country due to political persecution, now claims to be threatened even in his new home in Spain. Lithuania has revoked his political refugee status.
Ukrainian Blogger Anatoly Shariy Lives in Fear in Spanish Exile
Anatoly Shariy, a Ukrainian blogger known for his investigative journalism and YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, reports living under constant threat, even in his exile in Spain.
Shariy initially fled his home country before the Euromaidan protests after investigating organized crime and corruption. For the past few years, he and his wife Olga Bondarenko have resided in Spain. However, their situation has escalated as Lithuania revoked Shariy's political refugee status, granted in 2012. Shariy believes this decision was due to pressure from the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Shariy of treason and pro-Russian activities. Shariy's primary concern, however, stems from threats and attacks by Ukrainian nationalists who have located his residence near Barcelona. He has resorted to hiring private security for his protection.
Shariy expresses disbelief in Lithuania's legal system and fears for his life if extradited to Ukraine. He asserts that the new Ukrainian government continues his persecution just as the previous one did.
Given the threat scenario in Spain, which Shariy argues contradicts Lithuania's claim that he is no longer endangered in Ukraine, he is seeking protection from Spain and hopes they will reject any extradition request.