A/HCR/40/CRP.4 participated in an all-Ukrainian rally calling the attention of the public and authorities to attacks against various civil society activists, some of whom worked to expose corruption. Attacks documented by OHCHR in 2018 ranged from spraying acid21 on victims to gun injuries22 and caused the death of two activists.23 Despite the creation of the Special Parliamentary Investigation Commission, investigations into several attacks are not progressing.24 22. Throughout the reporting period, OHCHR documented six cases of attacks and intimidation against defence lawyers involved in high profile cases, including lawyers representing defendants known for their independent views. Notably, these attacks were all committed either by members of extreme right-wing groups or unidentified perpetrators allegedly affiliated with such groups. All these attacks occurred inside or in front of court buildings. OHCHR notes the lack of progress in investigations into such attacks, inadequate security in and around court premises, and failure of law enforcement to effectively prevent and stop such incidents.25 23. The lack of accountability for attacks on civil society perpetrated by extreme rightwing groups also raises concern.26 Throughout the reporting period, the number of attacks and acts of intimidation documented by OHCHR, involving members of extreme right-wing groups, reached 34. A few of them are currently being investigated. OHCHR documented cases when, despite sufficient police presence, authorities failed to apprehend perpetrators. OHCHR is concerned that such impunity may fuel further attacks. B. Freedom of association 24. OHCHR documented nine incidents targeting activists affiliated with political parties On 6 July 2018, an extreme right-wing group disrupted an event of a centrist political party in Kyiv and violently attacked its members. Despite numerous witnesses, the police disregarded the motive of the attack classifying it as only ‘delivering minor injuries’. or organizations, including physical attacks,27 acts of intimidation,28 attempts to forcefully enter places of residence,29 and property destruction.30 In at least two of these cases, investigators disregarded the status of victims as political activists, which incurs an entitlement to additional protection under national law.31 At a later stage, one of the cases 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 On 17 July 2018, in Kyiv, an anti-corruption activist was sprayed with Brilliant green (zelenka) during a rally demanding the resignation of the Head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office for anticorruption. the victim suffered from chemical burns to the eyes. On 31 July 2018, Kateryna Handziuk, a senior staff member of the Kherson city council, known for her advocacy against corruption, was attacked with acid. On 22 September 2018, an activist, known for his criticism of local authorities, was shot near his house in Odesa. The bullet was extracted from his body in January 2019 and he still requires intensive care. This refers to two lethal cases: an incident in Kharkiv region, when an anti-corruption and environmental activist Mykola Bychko was found hanged in Eskhar village, and the death of Kateryna Handziuk in hospital following complications resulting from injuries after an acid attack. OHCHR meeting with member of the Special Parliamentary Investigation Commission, 18 January 2019. See OHCHR Quarterly Reports 16 May – 15 August 2018, para 99; and 16 August – 15 November 2018, para 60. A/HRC/39/28 Report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. OHCHR interviews, 12 October and 9 December 2018. OHCHR interview, 10 September 2018. OHCHR interview, 12 October 2018. Activists were allegedly attacked for their political activism. In particular this refers to Article 346 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine which prescribes liability for threats or violence against State or civic actor. 7