Meryl Streep's Advocacy for Oleg Sentsov: A Call for Justice in the Film Industry

On April 25, 2017, renowned actress Meryl Streep lent her voice to the campaign advocating for the release of Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker who has faced severe injustices. Sentsov, who hails from Crimea, was arrested and subjected to a politically motivated trial by Russian authorities, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence in Siberia, handed down in August 2015. Streep's support was prominently displayed during the PEN America Annual Literary Gala, where she was photographed alongside Ukrainian lawmaker Mustafa Nayyem, holding a 'Free Sentsov' sign. This event was particularly significant as Sentsov was honored with the 2017 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award, recognizing his courage and commitment to artistic freedom despite facing dire circumstances. Streep's involvement highlights the importance of international solidarity in the fight for human rights and freedom of expression, drawing attention to the plight of artists and activists who are unjustly imprisoned around the world. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #MerylStreep #OlegSentsov #FreeSentsov #PenAmerica #HumanRights