gathered by the Commission, there is much questioning within local communities as to
why this happened. There is also a fear that the local population will use reprisals
against suspected persons for the restoration of justice. Thus, according to the Head of
the Commission, the Special Interim Parliamentary Commission has intensified its
contacts with the local community representatives.
Investigation by the Ombudsperson’s Office
87.
The Ombudsperson’s Office initiated an evaluation on human rights violations by law
enforcement agencies during the 2 May violence in Odesa. The Ombudsperson and her
team visited Odesa on several occasions and were provided with official documents
from all law enforcement agencies.57
Commission investigating the 2 May violence
88.
A commission was established under the auspices of the Head of the Odesa Regional
State Administration (Governor). This commission, which includes civil society
activists, journalists and experts, is conducting its own investigation and intends to play
a public oversight role concerning the official investigation.
89.
The commission members are undertaking their work through open sources, without
interfering with the official investigation. It is foreseen that their conclusions will be
published only if all members agree on its content. A first official briefing took place on
30 May.
Specialised Headquarters providing assistance in the aftermath of 2 May
90.
In the aftermath of the 2 May events, the former acting Mayor of Odesa established an
emergency headquarters (HQ) encompassing various departments of the City Council
Executive Committee. It provided assistance to victims and their relatives, such
healthcare, information, social services. It also ran an emergency hotline in the aftermath
of 2 May incidents. The HRMMU has been in daily contact with the staff on follow-up
required, and to enquire about the situation of the victims, particularly medical care and
the list of those declared missing. As of 7 June, the Social Welfare Department remained
the only operational part of this emergency HQ.
91.
After the 2 May violence the HRMMU has been monitoring the criminal proceedings
launched by the Office of the General Prosecutor, the MoI and the SBU.
92.
As the investigations continue, some key questions must be addressed to ensure
confidence in the investigation and to guarantee accountability, due process and to
enable the communities to fully accept the results of such an investigation. Issues to be
clarified include:
a. the identification of the perpetrators who were shooting at protesters during the
afternoon;
57
The Ombudsperson submitted a report of her findings to the Prosecutor General on 10 June 2014. It is not a
public document.
85 | P a g e
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