Supported by the International Renaissance Foundation
ГО
NGO LUHANSK HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENCE GROUP
ЛУГАНСЬКА ПРАВОЗАХИСНА ГРУПА
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Reception:04111, Kyiv, Shсherbakova Street, 37/85 Tel: 0954188050
Адреса приймальні у м. Києві: 04111, м.Київ, вул. Щербакова, 37, кв. 85 Тел.:0954188050 E-mail: Human.rights_LPG@mail.ru
E-mail: Human.rights_LPG@mail.ru
PUBLIC REPORT on cases of abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, and murder during the military conflict in Luhansk and Donetsk regions (May 2014 – summer 2014)
Kyiv 2015
PREFACE
Materials for this report were collected by human rights activists (volunteers) of Luhansk Human Rights Group NGO, provided an attorney Tselovalnichenko N.Ye. on human rights violations during the military conflict in Donbas region. Most of these cases were submitted to the European Court of Human Rights, and he kept the applicants’ personal data confidential. In addition, there are criminal proceedings in these cases and pretrial investigations are in progress. Consequently, to protect the rights of applicants in accordance with the Law of Ukraine on Protection of Personal Data, we are obliged not to disclose their real names and use indicative descriptions of applicants in case descriptions. Information about violations of applicants’ rights was collected through the hotline of Luhansk Human Rights Group, during round tables with internally displaced persons in Kyiv, Syevyerodonetsk, Lysychansk, and Shchastya cities (Luhansk region), as well as at legal consultations to IDPs. Case materials are kept by an attorney N.Ye. Tselovalnichenko. They can be provided only upon lawful requests by the law enforcement, courts or prosecutor’s office. Importantly, our organization classifies all collected data on human rights violations at Donbas according to violated rights criteria: violation of personal non-proprietary rights (right to life, health, security of person, liberty etc.) and violations of personal proprietary rights (right to property on housing, business, movable assets, ownership rights, right to receive pension etc.). We have recorded first violations of human rights (personal nonproprietary rights) by LNR militants since April 2014; collection of information is in progress. This report includes only certain selected examples of violations of personal nonproprietary human rights that we consider most descriptive and widespread. Violations of the right to life, health, liberty and security of person are most dangerous to the society. Consequently, we have included information on murders, instances of torture, abductions and deprivation of liberty into this report. Our report provides information about violations of human rights on the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions controlled by DNR/DPR (Donetsk People’s Republic) and LNR/LPR (Luhansk People’s Republic). Most of the cases in this report cover May and summer of 2014; yet this does not meant that there were no instances before or after this period. There is a lot of raw material analogous to the data of this report covering the period from September 2014 until this day. New reports about violations of human rights in Donetsk and Luhansk regions appear on a daily basis. Since in most cases of abduction and torture victims are targeted based on their political views, it can be stated that there is systematic persecution on political grounds on the territory controlled by DNR and LNR; there are systematic violations of the freedom of speech, freedom to hold political opinions and religious beliefs. The persecutions are aimed at intimidation of civilian population, violent suppression of any views and public initiatives that do not support DNR and LNR.
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I. CITY OF DONETSK AND DONETSK REGION
1) Case of T., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, murder threats; grounds: political and religious views of the applicant (Note: this case also includes a violation of the right to movable property of the applicant). T. is a priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, a pastor of St. Andrew’s Parish, a responsible coordinator of Mariysky Spiritual Center of Our Lady of Fatima in Donetsk region, the Head of the Ecumenical Commission of Donets Exarchate of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. He took part in organizing the prayer for unity of Ukraine and against Russian occupation in the center of Donetsk. He suffers from type two diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and he has to take medication regularly. At approximately 9:20 a.m. on July 4, 2014, T. was parking his vehicle GELLY CROSS-MK next to the Central Mall (TsUM) at Artema Street in Donetsk. At that time, a vehicle with the former (Donets) Berkut police officials armed with Kalashnikovs stopped next to him. He told T. to get into their car, used a chemical substance to put him to sleep; T. lost consciousness. They tied his hands with duct tapes and took T. to his apartment, conducted a search and seized a computer, monitor, Sony LC TV, as well as a phone, a tablet and money. Then, they used the chemical substance again and T. lost consciousness. He regained consciousness in an unknown room (3x4 m) with a mattress on the floor and a blindfold. Behind the door, a former Berkut official told T. to put the blindfold on, otherwise he would be killed. Then, T. was taken outside for an execution; they put him to the wall on his knees and fired a round from a machine gun above his head. T. lost consciousness. The same thing happened on the second day. On the third day, they took T.’s diabetes pills away. On the fourth day, T.’s blood sugar level increased. He started asking for water and medication, but lost consciousness often, as well as he had an acute stomach ulcer. T. needed immediate medical assistance since he could have died without medication. Former Berkut officials told him that he was their enemy because he was a priest of the Greek Catholic Church while they had their Russian republic of Novorossiya. They also said that T. had to die and there was no place for him on Donetsk soil. Then, T. lost consciousness and regained it when they had poured cold water on him. Four armed Berkut officials were standing and laughing at him. On days 5 and 6, T. was taken to executions and shot at with rounds from machine guns. On day 7, he was taken to the official of the Federal Security Service of Russia (according to how he introduced himself to T.). He was interrogating T. for four days for about 3-4 hours per day. He had good knowledge of the structure of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the details of church relations, as well as other priests of other denominations that participated in the prayer for unity of Ukraine in the center of Donetsk. They realized that T. would die without medication during several days. On day 11, only the guards communicated with T. On day 12, T. was taken in unknown direction and left in a car. Later, he got out of there. He stopped a passing car and asked for a ride to a hospital, and then lost consciousness. He regained consciousness in an intensive care unit of a hospital. At present time, he is staying on the territory controlled by Ukraine. 2) Case of R. and H., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, threats of murder, severe physical injuries; grounds: political views of the applicants.
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(Note: this case also includes a violation of the right to movable property of the applicants). R. and H. are Ukrainian patriots, participants of rallies for unity of Ukraine and against Russian occupation in the beginning of 2014 who had a Ukrainian flag at home. The neighbours told on them. At approximately 8 a.m. on May 27, 2014, several (7) armed people broke into the apartment of H. where R. was also present in Donetsk. The perpetrators were wearing balaclavas with faces covered, and a camouflage uniform, as well as they had Kalashnikovs. They introduced themselves as fighters of Donetsk People’s Republic. After seeing the flag of Ukraine on the wall, they started beating R. and H. They conducted a search and took H.’s tablet, mobile phone, laptop, photo camera and money, and R.’s phone and money. Then, armed militants tore the flag of Ukraine in two and blindfolded R. and his acquaintance H. They took them in a microbus outside the town of Makiyivka, Donetsk region, to the building of the Organized Crime Unit. The victims were put into a basement. Then, several people started beating R. with batons and kicking him. As a result, R.’s collarbone was broken; he lost consciousness. This type of injury is dangerous and might be fatal. The doctors later diagnosed 1st degree concussion and fracture of the skull base. One day later, a man came into the cell and started cutting R.’s back with a knife. H. was also tortured during investigation. For instance, two men in balaclavas armed with Kalashnikovs untied H.’s hands. Then they put her finger between the door and the door and the frame and started to press. It was very painful. H’s finger was broken. They asked H. if she was from the Right Sector. They were not interested in the response. They enjoyed tormenting people. Then, another man came to conduct interrogation. He was of average height, wearing a balaclava. He took out a knife and started swinging it near H. while she was trying to protect herself with her hands. He was hitting her hands with the knife. He then forced her to take off her underwear saying he would cut her breasts off. He said he would kill H. and cut her head off alive. He put the knife to her neck and started cutting it. Suddenly, he stopped and left the cell. H. was covered in blood. She has torture scars on her body and soul for the rest of her life. R. and H. were captives of the militants from May 27, 2014 until June 1, 2014. On June 1, 2014, R. and H. were exchanged for unknown persons.
3) Case of M., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, physical injuries (possibly torture), threats of murder (possibly murder); grounds: suspicion of espionage on behalf of Ukraine. At approximately 11 a.m. on August 2, 2014 in Donets, M. was captured by DNR militants on suspicions of espionage on behalf of Ukraine. I. was a witness of capturing that took place on the embankment next to the Constitution Square. Several (5 armed) people in balaclavas with their faces covered, wearing camouflage uniform, armed with Kalashnikovs, attacked M. and started hitting him with gun stocks and kicking him. Then, they tied his hands with duct tape and put a bag over his head. They took him to the building of the Donetsk Regional Department of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU). Since August 2, 2014, M. has been illegally detained by the militants of the Donetsk People’s Republic terrorist organization. Armed people are keeping M. without warrants, investigation, or a court decision in the building of Donetsk SSU. There was a direct threat to his life. Currently there is no information on whether he is alive. 4
4) Case of N., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, physical injuries, torture, threats of murder (possible murder); grounds: suspicion of espionage on behalf of Ukraine. On July 31, 2014 in the town of Maryinka, N. was driving a microbus FORD (license plate 0297) with humanitarian aid to Donetsk; he wanted to take his elderly father from there. At 9 a.m. Russian military and DNR fighters stopped him. They detained him and took to the building of Donetsk Regional State Administration in Donetsk. At night, he was tortured and beaten severely with rubber batons on his kidneys and legs. The perpetrators pushed him to the ground and kicked his head. H. was kidnapped for being a volunteer. Russian military officers said they could shoot him for espionage. He informed his father that he was held captive; however, there is no more information about him. At present time, it is unknown whether N. is alive.
5) Case of Zh., city of Donetsk. Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture, threats of murder; grounds: political views, attempts by DNR militants to sabotage elections of the President of Ukraine (Note: additional violation is forced labor) Zh. is a Ukrainian activist and active participant of Euromaidan in Kyiv and Donetsk. On May 22, 2014, he was going to Maryivka town to a polling station. At approximately 12 a.m., the state road inspection (DAI) stopped the applicant’s car near Petrovsky rotary in Petrovsky district of Donetsk. They started writing a protocol and conducted a search. Then they called the government of Donetsk People’s Republic and called a patrol from VOSTOK battalion (Russian unit comprised mostly from ethnic Chechens). Russian military came on a stolen car (Zh. Knows the owner of this vehicle). They blindfolded him, tied his hands with duct tape and took to the building of the SSU in Donetsk region. They put him into the basement and started kicking him, beating with hands and rubber batons. Zh. Sustained a skull fracture. According to medical examination results, he suffered a fracture of the skull base, concussion and kidney contusion. On the second day, Zh. was subjected to forced labor, i.e. he had to pull copper from a copper cord while the perpetrators were tormenting and kicking him. On the third day, Zh. was kept in a basement. During the entire day, he was subjected to beatings with batons and feet on his head, torso, legs and arms. They let him sleep for two hours and continued assaults. On the fourth day, Zh. tried to commit suicide by cutting his wrists, as he could not bear the torture. Zh. was brought to consciousness and provided with medical assistance. On the next day, Zh. tried to commit suicide by hanging. He was again brought to consciousness, and his shoelaces were confiscated. He had his hands tied with duct tape; he was hit with an electroshock device. During the entire time, he was not allowed to drink or eat. He was sleeping on a concrete floor. Then, they put a bag over his head and took him in unknown direction. On May 27, 2014, Zh. was released. He was brought to a hospital in Donetsk and then transferred for medical treatment in Kyiv as he sustained severe injuries and could not move independently. From May 20 until June 10, 2014, he underwent treatment in a hospital in Kyiv.
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6) Case of Yu., city of Donetsk. Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture, threats of murder, attempt of rape; grounds: political views, attempts by DNR militants to sabotage elections of the President of Ukraine Yu. is a Ukrainian activist and an active participant of Euromaidan in Kyiv and Donetsk. She was the head of an election commission in Maryinsky district of Donetsk region. On May 22, 2014, she was going to Maryivka town to a polling station. At approximately 12 a.m. near Petrovsky rotary (Trest public transport stop at Petrovskoho Street) in Petrovsky district of Donetsk, the state road inspection (DAI) stopped the car with Yu., Zh. and L. inside. They started writing a protocol and conducted a search. Then they called the government of Donetsk People’s Republic and called a patrol from VOSTOK battalion (Russian unit comprised mostly from ethnic Chechens). Russian military came on a stolen car (I know the owner of this vehicle Ruslan Kudryavtsev). Yu’s passport, money and lists of voters were seized. The perpetrators blindfolded her, tied her hands with duct tape and took her to the building of Donetsk Regional SSU. They put her in a basement and started started kicking her, beating with hands and rubber batons. Two hours later, they took her to the second floor for an interrogation. There were six armed people in facemasks and camouflage uniforms in the interrogation room. Yu. was put on a chair behind the table. An officer of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Russia interrogated Yu. He asked whether Yu. was from the Right Sector. She responded that it was like an unknown “chupakabra” creature feared by everyone and seen by no one. Yu. was hit hard by a plank on her head for this response; she fell to the ground with her chair. She was taken downstairs to the cell where she was hit by an electroshock device and was kept from sleeping. They took her for interrogations every two hours and were hitting her on the head with a heavy book during questioning. During the entire time, Yu.’s eyes and hands were tied with duct tape. She was taken to use the bathroom in this state, and another person took her underwear off. After the bathroom use, she was dressed. Torture lasted for six days. During this period, Yu. was taken to execution by shooting twice. They would announce her death sentence and shoot above her head. They played the Russian roulette twice when they put a bullet into the gun, spun the drum, put it to her head and pulled the trigger. One time they severely assaulted her and put into a metal box for sand sized 1x1 square meter and covered it with a lid. They tried raping her twice. The first time, they were stopped by a suicide attempt by another captive Zh. The second time, a Russian military officer came before the rape and wondered what six guards were doing in the cell. When he entered the cell, he saw three guards with their pants and underwear down. When he made a remark, they responded that they would rape him too. He pushed the transmitter button and informed the superiors. As a result, rape did not happen. According to the victim, the head guard had a call sign Cherep (“skull”). Together with his subordinates, they came from the criminal scene in Donbas. On May 27, 2014, Yu. was released. Then Yu. was taken to a hospital in Donetsk. She was transferred to a hospital in Kyiv due to severe physical injuries, and she could not move independently. She suffer from neck spine damage and a second degree brain concussion. Related information: according to persons who were held captive in the SSU Building in Luhansk, in July and August 2014 criminal group led by Cherep was in control of this building. They were detaining people for ransom and were extorting money. After the presence of this criminal group, there were two large refrigerator vehicles with bodies of unknown persons. There are grounds to consider that these might be bodies of tortured Ukrainian activists and hostages, who were kidnapped for ransom or due to their political views.
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7) Case of V., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, threats of murder; grounds: political views V. is a singer and a winner of international songwriters’ competitions. He works as a street singer, writes poems and plays guitar. He took active part in Maidan events in Kyiv in the winter of 2013-2014. He was a volunteer. Approximately from 11 to 12 p.m. on May 13, 2014, he was performing his songs and playing guitar at the park near Zolote Kiltse (Golden Ring) area in Donetsk, next to the Musical Academy near Artema Street. He was approached by the officer of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Russia with a work nickname Boroday and started to question the applicant about his background. The latter said that he was a songwriter and street singer, and was earning money with singing and playing guitar. The applicant also said that he took active part in Maidan events. Then, the officer called Boroday (also, one of the heads of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic) took out a gun and shoot V.’s foot and then his guitar. He put the gun to V.’s forehead and said that he would kill. However, V. has two convictions and was not intimidated by shots and threats of one of the leaders of DNR, a Russian military officer. Seeing this, Boroday shot him in the chest. V. fell down and started suffocating. Then, he lost consciousness. He was brought to the terrorists’ headquarters in Donetsk Regional State Administration in unconscious state. The rest of the guitar was taken to room 228. Then, V. was taken to Kalininska hospital of Donetsk where he was provided with medical assistance. V. was heavily wounded by one of the DNR leaders, an official of Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Russia nicknamed Boroday. V. recognized Boroday when the latter was giving an interview to Russian journalists. After leaving the hospital, V. managed to escape from Donetsk to a territory controlled by Ukraine. 8) Case of K., city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture; grounds: suspicions in affiliation with the Right Sector, persecution of Ukrainian journalists (Note: an additional violation of the right to immovable property – money, gold, automobile, technical appliances) At approximately 15-40 on August 9, 2014 in Donetsk, several (four armed) people broke into K.’s apartment. They had balaclavas covering their faces with camouflage uniforms on, carrying Kalashnikovs in their hands. K.’s wife was home at that time. They said they were fighters of Donetsk People’s Republic and asked K. where her daughter, a journalist, was. The wife responded that she did not know since the woman left the city and did not inform her about her plans. Then, they started beating her with rubber batons and stocks on her head and body. After that, they were tied. The perpetrators took their mobile phones, computer, a laptop, golden jewelry, and were searching for money. They found all savings in a wardrobe, as well as a NISSAN car next to the house, and seized everything. Then, they took K. and his wife downstairs, put into different vehicles and brought to the building of Donetsk Regional State Administration. They were then put into a basement. There were two people in balaclavas armed with Kalashnikovs in the basement. Then, and officer of Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Russia nicknamed Yorsh and Robinson started asking K. whether he was from the Right Sector, where his daughter was, whether she was with the Right Sector, and what her whereabouts were. K. 7
responded that he did not know what the Right Sector was and where his daughter was as she left Donetsk over a month before that. Then they started hitting K. on his legs with rubber batons; he fell down and lost consciousness. K. and his wife were released a week later.
9) Case of F., B., M., town of Novogrodivka, Donetsk region, city of Donetsk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture, threats of murder; grounds: political views F. and B. were miners at a mine. F. and B. openly expressed opinions against the management of the mine and their actions in support of a terrorist organization of Donetsk People’s Republic. F. supported Euromaidan and took part in Maidan defense, had a tattoo with Ukrainian coat of arms on his shoulder. At approximately 3 p.m. on May 4, 2104, F. was next to Sovetska Street 9 in Novohrodivka town with his friends V., B., M. and others. Seven people in dark special unit uniforms with balaclavas and bulletproof vests and Kalashnikovs ran up to them, they were accompanied by three Russian military officers, ethnic Chechens without masks in a new Russian uniform, with new models of Kalashnikov AK-100. They started shooting into the air, killed M.’s dog and shot his leg. Then, they searched M.’s apartment, took all his money and golden jewelry. Then they put everyone with their faces to the ground. After that, they were taken to the Donetsk Regional Administration on Volkswagen microbus. There, on the first floor, they were put with the face to the ground and started beating applicants with rubber batons on the head and torso. B. had his jaw and the third neck vertebra axis broken. One of the Russian militants, a Chechen, put his army boot on F.’s elbow joint and tore his Barkow’s ligaments. F. also had his nose and ribs broken, as well as an upper jaw. He was injected with an unknown substance. Russian military officers from Vostok battalion nicknamed Mongol and Spartak were tormenting him heavily. When they saw the tattoo with the coat of arms of Ukraine, they broke a glass bottle and tore the skin off the shoulder with broken glass together with the tattoo. On May 5, 2014, applicants were exchanged for other people. Later, it turned out that F. was infected with hepatitis C (probably during the hostage period). 10) Case of Kh., city of Ilovaysk, city of Khartsyzk, Donetsk region Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, threats of murder (possible murder); grounds: discrimination on the grounds of place of residence, suspicions in affiliation with the Right Sector On July 31, 2014, Kh. was working on a combine harvester next to Ilovaysk city of Donetsk region. At approximately 11-50, they were shot by the militants. Kh. was injured. He was taken to a hospital in Khartsyzk city of Donetsk region. He is still being held captive by Russian military and militants of Donetsk People’s Republic terrorist organization. They think that since Kh. is registered in Kherson, he is a spy of the Right Sector. Thus, they were threatening with murder and torturing Kh. He is held by armed people without warrants, an investigation, or a court decision in the building of Khartsyzk city hospital. He is considered a spy. They promised to kill him. There is no communication with him now. In addition, information about the case is published in YouTube, as well as other information sources. 11) Case of H., town of Horlivka, Donetsk region
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Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, grounds: political views At approximately 19-10 until 19-30 on May 2, 2014, H. with his wife went to a Baton store at Krasnoshapky Street 44 in Horlivka to get groceries. Two armed people attacked the applicant at the store entrance; they hit him, put on his knees and put handcuffs on. Then, they put him into VAZ automobile and took him to the building of the Ministry of Interior Directorate in Horlivka. He was kidnapped for his view and open critiques of DNR. Previously, the applicant was interviewed by Horlivka TV Channel 6 on 24 May 2014, where he criticized the DNR terrorist organization. Then, he was taken to the building of the Organized Crime Unit controlled by DNR in Horlivka. He was held captive by the militants for several months. Russian military and secret service officials interrogated him and used torture during the first two weeks. He was taken out for an execution by shooting several times. Terrorists published information about this on the Internet, on Russian TV and on YouTube. At present time, H. has been released and is living on the territory controlled by Ukraine. 12) Case of K., town of Horlivka, Donetsk region Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries; grounds: political views, attempts by DNR militants to sabotage elections of the President of Ukraine K. is a member of Svoboda party and a member of the District Election Commission. On May 8, 2014, at approximately 11 a.m. he was kidnapped by the militants of DNR terrorist organization. He tried to escape but was wounded heavily. He managed to inform his wife about this. After about 20 minutes after kidnapping, the applicant was thrown out of the car at Olkhivska Street in Makiyivka. The neighbors called an ambulance. Then, the applicant was taken to Rudnicha hospital in Makiyivka where he was provided with first aid. On May 9, 2014, Svoboda party activists tried to take the applicant on an ambulance vehicle to Kharkiv region. However, the ambulance was shot from automatic guns by the militants of DNR terrorist organization near Hanzivka town in Donetsk region. The driver was forced to go back to Makiyivka. K. was returned to the hospital. On the night of May 9-10, 2014, the applicant was kidnapped from the hospital the militants of DNR terrorist organization. At approximately 00-35 on May 10, 2014, K. called his wife from an unknown number and said that he was held captive in the building of Horlivka Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of Ukraine in Donetsk region. On May 11, 2014, K. called his wife and said he was heavily wounded and he needed a surgery to remove the bullet. During the injury, the militants of DNR were transporting him regardless of his state of health and physical suffering. He was not provided with medical aid in time and maltreated. The applicant was constantly feeling pain from the injury, as he was not always provided with medication. There were delays with the surgery. K. was detained illegally by armed people in the building of Horlivka Directorate of the Ministry of Interior in Donetsk region. He was heavily wounded and tortured. In July 2014, he was exchanged for DNR militants.
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ІІ. CITY OF LUHANSK AND LUHANSK REGION 13) Case of I., city of Luhansk (town of Oleksandrivsk) Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture, possible murder; grounds: political views At approximately 10-30 a.m. on May 23, 2014, I. was kidnapped by the militants of Luhansk People’s Republic terrorist organization. This took place with his wife present. Several people armed with Kalashnikovs broke into the house in Oleksandrivsk town (belongs to city of Luhansk) and took him outside with only underwear on and started beating. Then he was put on his knees, handcuffed and put into a vehicle. At a checkpoint in Oleksandrivsk town of Luhansk city, the militants took him out of the car and beat severely; they were using torture by electroshock device on him. The applicant was held by armed people with no warrants, investigation, or court decision in the building of the SSU in Luhansk (Sovetska Street 79). He was tortured; there was a direct threat to his life. He confirmed it in a telephone conversation. In addition, information about his case is published on YouTube and other information sources. On May 24, 2014, he was shown to his wife. He was wearing only his underwear and had signs of torture on his body. At present time, he has not been released. Most likely, he was killed since people who were later held captive by the terrorists in the SSU building in Luhansk have not seen him. During this period, control over the building of SSU in Luhansk at 79 Sovetska Street shifted between several groups. 14) Case of Sh., city of Luhansk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture; grounds: taking hostage for ransom (Note: additional violation – violation of the right to property (real estate), appropriation of ownership documentation for the apartment). At approximately 7 p.m. on June 12, 2014, citizen of Ukraine Sh. received a phone call from his acquaintance asking for a meeting. He left the house, crossed the street. At that time, five people in masks with Kalashnikovs rushed out of a Daewoo Lanos car parked nearby. They started shooting into the air next to Sh., pointed guns at him, pushed him to the ground and started hitting with stocks and kicking him. They searched his apartment, seized his valuables, golden jewelry of his parents, money, computer, a laptop, a tablet, a cell phone and apartment ownership documents. Then, they put a bag over his head, handcuffed him and took the applicant to the SSU building in Luhansk. There, he was taken for interrogation. They were beating him with rubber batons and kicking him, broke his ribs and inflicted concussion. Sh. lost consciousness. Then he was taken to the basement where he was electrocuted. He was interrogated and tormented the entire night. His face was entirely bruised. The bruises that cover half of his face are visible in the picture. In addition, there are visible signs of beatings and torture with electric current on his back. On June 13, 2014, Sh.’s mother paid ransom for her son. According to her, she gave 60 000 USD to a person who was responsible for hostages in the SSU building in Luhansk. Sh. was then released. In addition, there is information about this on YouTube and other information sources. 15) Case of P. and others, city of Luhansk (town of Shchastya)
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Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture; grounds: political views of victims On June 13, 2014, at approximately 11-50, P. was kidnapped by the militants of Luhansk People’s Republic terrorist organization. It happened at a workplace. Eight people armed with Kalashnikovs broke into the Automobile Transport Professional Lyceum located at 121 Donetska Street in the town of Shchastya, Luhansk, where P. worked as an instructor. He was handcuffed. They pushed him to the ground, were kicking his torso and head. Then, they dragged him outside and put in a GAZ (Volga) car with LNR logo. In addition to P., three more instructors of this school were kidnapped. LNR terrorists kidnapped P. and others for participation in rallies for unity of Ukraine. The applicant was brought to the building of Luhansk Regional State Administration where he was held captive. He was tortured with electroshock device. In addition, they were not allowed to sleep and eat, and were beaten with rubber batons on their legs and torso. P. and other instructors were released in a month. 16) Case of R., city of Luhansk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, torture, murder; grounds: political views of the victim (Note: additional violation of the right to movable property – valuables of R.’s family were seized) At approximately 10-30 on May 23, 2014, R. was kidnapped by militants of Luhansk People’s Republic terrorist organization. Several people armed with Kalashnikovs broke into the house and took R. and his son in their underwear outside, started beating them with stocks and tried to take them away. A local Christian priest came and said that if they were to take R.’s son, they should take him as well. The son was severely beaten. They took the Daewoo Lanos car and took R. while leaving his son at home. The house was searched; money was taken along with all computers, a cell phone and a video camera. Then R. was taken to Luhansk to the building of the SSU at Sovetska Street 79. One the next day, he was severely tortured. They shot his lung and his spine. On the following day, he died from injuries and torture in a hospital. His face was blue from the beatings. 17) Case of Z., city of Luhansk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture; grounds: professional activity of the victim as a law enforcement official (Note: additional violation of the right to movable property – Z.’s family valuables were seized) At approximately 3 a.m. on June 13, 2014, Z. was kidnapped by militants of Luhansk People’s Republic terrorist organization for being a member of the public order security at rallies for unity of Ukraine. This happened in the presence of his wife. Eight people armed with Kalashnikovs in camouflage uniform and balaclavas broke into the apartment of the applicant and his family, pointed guns at him, were hitting his head with stocks and kicking him. They conducted an illegal search, seized money, cell phone, laptop, photo camera, and a video camera and took Z. outside while beating him. Then they put a bag over his head, tied his hands with duct tape and put into a car.
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They brought him to the building of a kindergarten in the courtyard of Luhansk Regional State Administration in Luhansk. He was beaten with batons and metal tubes on his legs and torso. The applicant informed his wife about this on June 16, 2014. She saw that his head was injured, he had bruises and traces of beatings on his face, arms and legs. In July, he was exchanged for LNR militants. 18) Case of V., city of Luhansk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture, grounds: disobedience with the LNR regulations on the curfew hours, ransom for hostages (Note: additional violation of the right to movable property – money and documents were seized) On June 4, 2014, at approximately 11 p.m., he was near 37 Shelkovoho Street in Luhansk together with several friends and other people (total of nine people). The LNR patrol, a woman aged 40-45 and two men, approached them and started saying that they were smoking and drinking bear during a curfew. The woman from the patrol shot several times under their feet, and the men pointed Kalashnikovs at them. V.’s friend, S., was hit on his face with a gun. Then they were taken to the SSU building in Luhansk. At the entrance, they were told to kneel. After they refused, perpetrators started beating them with stocks and rubber batons. Belongings, money and documents were seized. They were taken to the underground floor and put into a cell 2x3 meters in size. There was no restroom in the cell but one 5-liter plastic bottle. In the morning, they were severely beaten with batons on their kidneys; V. was beaten on his right let (there is photo of a large bruise). His friend S. had his entire left part of the body turn blue from bruises, and another friend of V., P., had his kneecap displaced. On June 5, 2014, his friend P. was exchanged for two cartons of cigarettes and two bottles of mineral water. On June 5, 2014 at 9 a.m., V. was told he could be released for 300 Hryvnya. At 13-30 on June 5, 2014, V. was released. The fate of other hostages is unknown since the applicant left Luhansk. 19) Case S., city of Luhansk Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, severe physical injuries, torture; grounds: professional activity of the victim as a law enforcement official (Note: additional violation of the right to movable property – S.’s family valuables were seized) S. is a public activist, a head of Prosvita Ukrainian organization in Luhansk region, the head of Ukrainian-Canadian Foundation Renaissance, and a chief editor of Bakhmutsky Shlyakh magazine. He works as a senior lecturer teaching history of Ukraine at Taras Shevchenko Luhansk National University and has several academic publications. S. has a second-degree disability; he had a stroke six months ago. At approximately 4 p.m. on June 23, 2014, Russian military officers and militants of Luhansk People’s Republic came to the Ukrainian-Canadian Foundation Renaissance. Ten people were armed with automatic guns and wearing camouflage uniform and balaclavas. They started beating the applicant for being a patriotic Ukrainian and conducting civic activities. They searched the premises and took all the documentation, computers and money. The applicant was brought to the building of SSU in Luhansk where he was tortured. They put a bag on his head and were beating him with rubber batons on his head and torso. In addition, his hand was damaged from being pressed with the screws (right arm is injured). They were enjoying torture
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and hurting other people. Since S. has a disability and can cook, they later stopped torture and gave him a task of preparing food. When they ran out of supplies, he convinced the militants to go to his summerhouse in Stanychno-Luhansky district of Luhansk regions to refill supplies. He managed to escape during the trip. He is now safe. 20) Case of A., town of Syevyerodonetsk, Luhansk region Type of violation: abduction, deprivation of liberty, physical injuries, torture; grounds: political activity of the applicant, attempts by DNR militants to sabotage elections of the President of Ukraine (Note: additional violation of the right to movable property – valuables of a legal entity and the applicant were seized) A. is a pro-Ukrainian activist, the local head of All-Ukrainian Public Organization Batkivshchyna (VHO Batkivshchyna), and the chief editor of a local newspaper and internet media outlet. He took part in Maidan in Kyiv in the winter, as well as was active during presidential elections in May 2014. On May 23, 2014, at approximately 9-50 a.m. the applicant was kidnapped by the militants of LNR terrorist organization at his workplace. Eight people armed with Kalashnikovs with insignia of Don Cossack Organization (led by Kozitsyn, a Russian army general) broke in to the office of Batkivshchyna in Syevyerodonetsk located at Mendeleyeva Street 1 (Syevyerodonetsk, Luhansk region). He was handcuffed, pushed to the ground, kicked on his torso and head. They took all documents and computers from the office. Then, they took him outside and put into a car with LNR sign. The applicant was first taken to DIAP Institute building in the outskirts of Syevyerodonetsk. At 5 p.m., he was taken to the building of SSU in Luhansk region. The applicant was tortured with electroshock device, he was not allowed to sleep and eat. He was also beaten with rubber batons on his legs and torso. The applicant was held captive from May 23 until May 27, 2014, by armed people with no warrants, investigation, or a court decision in the building of Luhansk Regional State Administration, he was tortured. Information about this is available on YouTube and other information sources.
21) Case of family B., village of Peremozhne, Lutuhynsky district, Luhansk region. Type of violation: murder (shooting of four people); grounds: political views of victims (Note: additional violation of the right to movable and immovable property – the family valuables were seized and the house was intentionally destroyed). B. lived with his sister, father, mother, grandfather and grandmother at Dymitrova Street 57 in Peremozhne village of Lutuhynsky district of Luhansk region. The village is located nearby Luhansk airport. As a Ukrainian activist, he fled to safer regions of Ukraine with his sister before the military conflict. It is publicly known that in summer of 2014 there was heavy fighting between LNR and Ukrainian military for Luhansk airport. B.’s parents were pro-Ukrainian activists and did not keep their opinions about Russian aggression in Donbas secret. On August 22, 2014, at 2 a.m., LNR militants from Luhansk came to the house of B. and his family. They pointed guns at the parents and grandparents, asked where the money was, took the money along with golden jewelry and car documentation, as well as the car keys. Then B.’s 13
parents were shot for their open pro-Ukrainian stance, and the grandparents were shot for no reason. The neighbor saw and heard all of this. B. and his sister were in another city thus they survived. Then, Russian military with LNR terrorists blew up the house at Dymitrova Street 57 in Peremozhne village of Lutuhynsky district of Luhansk region. The weather was very hot, thus the neighbors buried B.’s parents and grandparents to avoid the corpse odor. B. was informed over the phone about this and about the fact that people are looking for him and would kill him if found. Thus, B. cannot return to Luhansk region.
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