Following the arrest of the Russian journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, the United Nations Human Rights Office (UNHRO) has urged the Russian government to refrain from punishing her.

The U.N. human rights spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani told a news briefing in Geneva that Ovsyannikova is merely exercising her basic rights and freedom of expression.

“The Russian authorities should ensure that the woman is not going to face any severe legal consequences, reprisals, or arbitrary detention,” Shamdasani said.

Ovsyannikova was released after the statement made by the United Nations Human Rights Office (UNHRO).

During her arrest, Ovsyannikova said that she had been interrogated for more than 14 hours, suffered 2 days of insomnia and was prevented from contacting a lawyer.

UN/ Reuters.