Ukraine: Police Beatings, Kidnappings in Kiev | Human Rights Watch

Ukraine: Police Beatings, Kidnappings in Kiev | Human Rights Watch:

(Kiev) – Riot police brutally beat several people, including a 17-year-old, who were detained on January 20, 2014, during a standoff in Kiev. In the early hours the next day, unidentified assailants kidnapped two activists from a hospital and severely beat them; the body of one of them was found the next day.

“Police in Kiev face serious challenges, but nothing can justify the vicious beatings we’ve documented,” said Yulia Gorbunova, Ukraine researcher at Human Rights Watch. “These are very serious crimes that need thorough investigation, and the people responsible should be held accountable. “

 

Peaceful protest at Independence Square in Kiev in December 2013.