17.09.2009

Criminal investigation over suspected trafficking involving sailors

A criminal investigation under the article in the Criminal Code on human trafficking and other illegal operations involving a person has been initiated by the Central Department of the SBU [Security Service] in the Crimea against the heads of one of the Feodosiya employment firms.

15.09.2009

Is the HIV/AIDS situation in Ukraine stabilizing?

According to international experts, there are signs that the spread of HIV among high risk groups has stabilized. They attribute this to a programme aimed at HIV prevention as well as the implementation of support therapy within the HIV-positive milieu. At the same time, they highlight the main problems which still face Ukraine in overcoming the HIV-AIDS epidemic.

07.09.2009

Criminal investigation initiated into beating of a Vinnytsa prisoner

According to spokesperson Andriy Kobylyansky, the Vinnytsa Regional Prosecutor has initiated a criminal investigation into the beating of a prisoner by officials of Vinnytsa Penal Colony No. 1.

07.09.2009

Easing of visa restrictions to the EU means introducing biometric passports

In order to contract an agreement on eased visa restrictions with the European Union, Ukraine will have to fulfil a number of requirements including introducing biometric passports. This was stated on 2 September at a press conference in Lviv by European Commission Ambassador to Ukraine Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira. He explained that this is a US requirement for citizens of EU countries.

31.08.2009

Trial begins of officers accused over death of detainee in Prytuki

The trial has begun of nine officers of the Chernihiv Regional Department for Fighting Organized Crime [UBOZ] who are charged with exceeding their powers and using unlawful methods of criminal investigation. The decision to hold the trial in Konotop, Sumy region, and not in the Chernihiv region was taken by the Supreme Court on the application of the defendants.

25.08.2009

In Kherson a Greek-Catholic chapel has been barbarously destroyed

A two-storied chapel, located at the center of Kherson, Ukraine, was demolished under the direction of an unknown authority. The chapel has been shared by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) and the German Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ukraine (NELTSU).

21.08.2009

Presidential veto on election law overridden

On Friday the Verkhovna Rada overcame the President’s veto on the Law ““On amendments to some legislative acts regarding the Presidential elections. 325 National Deputies of the 371 registered voted for the move (BYuT – 153, Party of the Regions – 168; Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defence – 4; there were no votes from either the Lytvyn Bloc or the Communist Party).

21.08.2009

Financial checks start at the border

Citizens of 90 developing countries have to be ready to prove their solvency upon arrival to Ukraine, according to new rules.

20.08.2009

Halinsky promises a human face to the Penal Department

The new Head of the State Department for the Execution of Sentences [the Department] Oleksandr Halinsky gave his first press conference today, 20 August, and promised to make the penitentiary system democratic and open.

19.08.2009

Yushchenko vetoes amendments to law on Presidential elections

On 18 August the Head of the President’s Secretariat announced that Viktor Yushchenko has vetoed the Law “On amendments to some legislative acts regarding the Presidential elections”.

19.08.2009

Oleksandr Halinsky appointed Head of the Penal Department

The Cabinet of Ministers o Wednesday, 19 August, appointed Oleksandr Halinsky to the position of Head of the State Department for the Execution of Sentences [the Department].

18.08.2009

KHPG appeals to government over new Penal Department appointment

After the inept management of the last 4 years and exodus of professionals from the service, it is vital that a new head for the Department is chosen wisely and with an eye to finally achieving badly needed reforms

18.08.2009

Ukrainian Penitentiary Society calls for responsible appointment

The dismissal last week of Vasyl Koshchynets from his post as Head of the Department for the Execution of Sentences [the Department] and rumours over who will take his place have prompted human rights organizations to renew their calls for serious reform of the penal system.

05.08.2009

Polish Helsinki Foundation speaks out against closure of «Telenowyny”

PHF has expressed concern over the plans to cancel the Ukrainian language programme “Telenowyny” and points out that the rights of national minorities are guaranteed both by domestic legislation, including the Constitution, and international commitments

05.08.2009

“Sources of Tolerance” Children’s Camp

On 9 August over 190 children aged 9-17 from 17 national communities in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova will take part in the opening of the International Inter-ethnic Children’s Camp “Sources of Tolerance” held in Yasinya near Mt. Hoverlia in the Carpathian Mountains.

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