shelter for victims of trafficking and domestic violence is run by the authorities, with space for 13 individuals. Odesa violence 63. On 2 May, a national unity rally gathered around 1,500 people, including many fans from the football clubs of Chornomorets Odesa and Metalist Kharkiv30, as well as city residents. Among the crowd there were reportedly also some radical members of the Right Sector and Maidan self-defence unit armed with bats and metal sticks. Shortly after the rally began, the latter were provoked by approximately 300 well-organized and armed profederalism activists; the rally turning into a mass disorder, which lasted for several hours. As a result, four protesters in support of Ukraine were killed by gunshots (a fifth died later in the hospital from his injuries). Many were injured during the afternoon (mostly protesters supporting federalism). During the evening, violent clashes between the two sides continued on the main square (Kulikove polje), which ended in a fire a at the Trade Union building where protesters supporting federalism had taken refuge. As a result of the events, 46 people died of whom 30 (including 6 women) were trapped and unable to leave the burning building and 8 (including one woman) died from jumping out of the windows. In total, 38 died at the scene of the fire. At least 230 were injured.31 As of 5 May, 65 remained in hospital, including two minors. Nine were in critical condition, including one policeman. 64. The list of missing persons, initially 13 persons, is now maintained by a special hotline organised by the Mayor’s office. On 5 May, it contained 45 names, but the figure constantly changes due to numerous mistaken reports or initial calls from worried parents and subsequently solved cases of missing children. 65. The Office of the General Prosecutor has opened an investigation into the events of 2 May in Odesa. The same day, 114 persons were taken by police from the location of the incident, reportedly for their own protection. The police investigation department informed the HRMMU that only 11 have been officially detained under part 2 of article 294 (Riots leading to death). 66. In the context of the events in Odesa, the role of the police and the lack of preparedness and protection were highly questionable.32 The Office of the Prosecutor has opened criminal proceedings against the police officers under article 367 (Neglect of official duty). On 3 May, the head of the regional police, Mr Lutsiuk, was dismissed. 67. On 5 May, Arsen Avakov, the Minister of Interior, announced that a special unit of the National Guard (400 persons) arrived in Odesa to protect the integrity of the region and restore public order. It will be under supervision of the head of Odesa Regional Administration. The 30 Joint marches among fans are a regular tradition before all football matches. According to the Odesa City Council Health Department, 230 persons requested medical aid, out of them 214 were delivered to hospitals in ambulances. 32 The preparedness of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and its ability to deal with arson is also questionable. Whereas the medical help (first aid provided by ambulance and medical help in the hospitals) was assessed as highly effective. 31 44 | P a g e

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