Ukrainian authorities not interested in investigation into Odesa tragedy – UN report
There is no progress in prosecuting people responsible for deaths of 48 people in Odesa on 2 May 2014.
This is stated in the 13th OHCHR report on the human rights situation in Ukraine, covering the period from 16 November 2015 to 15 February 2016.
The authorities have not taken adequate measures for the effective investigation into these events and the protection of judicial independence.
The authors of the report indicate that the investigation into these events has been accompanied at different stages by procedural irregularities, indicating the lack of interest in the proper investigation and bringing those responsible to justice, as well as political interference, which suggests a deliberate obstruction of justice and delaying its administration.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is deeply concerned about the fact that the law enforcement reform has interrupted the investigation into clashes in Odesa on May 2, 2014, the fire in the House of Trade Unions and negligence of the fire brigade in responding to fire.
November 7, 2015, the investigation was suspended as the investigation team had been disbanded due to reorganization of the police. January 2016, a new investigative group at the Odesa National Police Regional Department was established, and the investigation was reportedly resumed.
Earlier in January, the initiative “May 2 group” accused the Prosecutor General’s Office of sabotage and said its investigators had narrowed the list of suspects in police inaction to one person.
The Malynivsky District Court in Odesa Due revised its previous decision due to pressure on judges and repealed the ruling on release of all the five detainees on bail. The judges sent resignation letters to the Supreme Council of Justice.
