MOSCOW, November 29 (RAPSI) – Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova has requested the U.S. authorities to mitigate custodial conditions for Maria Butina, the ombudsman’s press service has told RAPSI.

Moskalkova has also asked the world community and mass media to support her request, the statement reads.

Recently, Butina was placed in a separate cell and allowed to leave it only at night for two hours. As a result, her health condition has worsened.

According to the ombudsman, such an attitude towards a prosecuted person contradicts norms established in the civilized society.

Butina was arrested in the United States on suspicion of espionage in July. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) claims that the woman was fronting for Russia and forged friendly relationships with American officials. She was placed in detention. 

In late August, Moskalkova sent petitions concerning Butina’s arrest and detention to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe Secretary General and OSCE. She insisted that Butina, who is accused by American authorities of illegal activity as a foreign agent, must be released from jail. The ombudsman’s motion for the Russian national’s release was submitted to the U.S. ambassador to Russia Jon Huntsman.