f) On 4 May, in Odesa, a Channel 5 journalist was attacked by pro-federalism activists, while reporting on events in the city. The Office of the Regional Prosecutor initiated a criminal investigation under article 171 (prevention to the legal journalists’ activity). 56. Incitement to hatred continues to fuel tensions. This is particularly prominent in the eastern regions of the country. 57. Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov, issued a Presidential decree 28 April “On measures to improve the formation and realisation of State policy in the sphere of informational safety of Ukraine”.29 It foresees the development of further laws and policies to regulate the media environment and activity of journalists, particularly of foreign media outlets. E. Right to life, liberty and security 58. The breakdown in law and order, and the surge in violence are leading to more deaths and a deteriorating situation in Ukraine. Armed groups have increasingly committed human rights abuses, including abductions, torture/ill-treatment, unlawful detentions and killings as well as the seizing and occupying of public buildings. 59. On 5 May, the head the police in Cherkasy region, announced that suspects had been identified in the investigation of the murder of Vasily Sergiyenko. He was abducted from his home on 4 April by three unknown persons in Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi, Cherkasy region. On 5 April, his body was found in a forest about 150 kilometres outside Kyiv, with reported signs of stab wounds and torture. 60. On 15 April, a NGO activist was assaulted in Drohobych (Lviv region) by unknown perpetrators and consequently hospitalised. The attack is thought to be linked to the work of the activist on abuse of power by officials. The case was reported to the police by the medical staff in the hospital. 61. On 28 April, Hennadiy Kernes, the Mayor of Kharkiv, a well-known pro-unity supporter, was shot as he was cycling near his home by unknown persons and severely injured and, flown to Israel for treatment on 29 April. To enable his medical evacuation, the Pecherskyi District Court in Kyiv had to lift his house arrest, which he had been under since 13 March. He is charged under articles 127 (Torture), 129 (Death threats) and 146 (Unlawful arrest) of the Criminal Code for beating a Maidan activist. 62. The current deteriorating economic situation and unemployment level, with the ongoing crisis, could see a rise in the number of cases of violence against women, domestic violence and trafficking in humans, as vulnerabilities become much more acute. This requires particular attention and support in eastern Ukraine, where historically there has been less active participation and involvement by NGOs to date. For example, in Donetsk the only 29 Presidential Decree No. 449/2014 43 | P a g e

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