from the ‘political base’ of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” in Donetsk, to the “armed operations base” of the “Slovyansk self-defence unit” in Slovyansk. 94. The HRMMU is concerned with the undermining of human rights protection and guarantees of fundamental freedoms for the population of the town where buildings are occupied by armed persons, as well as the broader population of eastern Ukraine. Specifically, the HRMMU is concerned about the rise in the number of reported cases of intimidation, harassment and killings, as well as the wave of abductions and unlawful detentions of journalists, activists, local politicians, representatives of international organizations and members of the military. Security and law enforcement operation 95. The Government first announced a “counter-terrorist” operation in eastern Ukraine, namely Donetsk region, on 13 April. The ensuing security and law enforcement operation was ceased by the authorities in observance of the Easter holidays and in the aftermath of the Geneva meeting and statement.41 Following the discovery of the bodies (with alleged signs of torture) of Volodymyr Rybak42, Horlivka city councillor, and Yuriy Popravko43, a student and Maidan activist from Kyiv, in a river near Slovyansk on 19 April, acting President Oleksandr Turchynov ordered the resumption of the “counter-terrorist” operation in eastern Ukraine on 24 April. 96. On 28 April, the body of another student, Yuriy Dyakovskiy, was discovered in the river near Slovyansk with similar signs of torture. He had arrived in Slovyansk on 16 April with three other friends and was allegedly abducted on 17 April. 97. The security and law enforcement operation has since then particularly concentrated on the town of Slovyansk, which serves as the “armed operations base” of the so-called “Slovyansk self-defence unit”. According to the law enforcement bodies of Ukraine, these armed groups are well organised and heavily armed, and have managed to down two Ukrainian helicopters with shoulder-held missiles. On 28 April, the Ministry of Interior reported that three checkpoints had been taken and that “five terrorists were destroyed” by Ukrainian security forces as they attempted to gain control of Slovyansk. Such use of force raises concerns as to whether other non-violent means could have been used, in line with relevant international norms and standards. Furthermore, the HRMMU is also concerned about information it has received regarding alleged cases of enforced disappearances in eastern Ukraine reported to have been carried out by the Ukrainian army as part of these operations. As security and law enforcement operations continue, increasing concerns are raised regarding the protection of the local population. 98. In Kostyantynivka on 3 May, during the security and law enforcement operations the Security Service of Ukraine reported wounded persons, not disclosing the exact number. 41 See footnote 2. Mr Rybak - a well-known supporter of the unity of Ukraine - was abducted by unknown persons on 17 April, and his whereabouts since that time had remained unknown. On 23 April, the State Security Service opened an investigation into the killing of Mr. Rybak. 43 Mr Popravko went missing on 18 April. Allegedly was tortured and drowned the same day. 42 51 | P a g e