46 die after yesterday’s unrests in Odessa: region’s prosecutor

As the prosecutor of Odessa region Ihor Borshulyaka reports, during yesterday’s unrests and fire in the Trade Unions building in Odessa, 46 died, over 200 sought medical assistance in health care centers, including 20 police officers, eight died of falling from the building.

“Dear Odessa citizens, your multinational city was always an example of wisdom, resilience and tolerance. Unfortunately, yesterday’s events led to 46 deaths. We are expressing our deep sympathy to the relatives of the dead, for human life is the highest value. I ask all citizens and guests of the city to remain calm and not be influenced by provocations. The city is currently under control of law-enforcement bodies,” he said.
Borshulyak has added that police will provide objective evaluation of the unrests on May 2 and all guilty will be prosecuted according to current legislation, “up to life imprisonment.”
The prosecutor pointed out that upon yesterday’s events, a number of criminal proceedings was begun, the interagency group on investigating crimes was created, which included Interior Affairs Department, prosecutor’s office and SSU representatives.

They investigate organization of the mass unrests, intentional destruction of property, murder of people, seizure of buildings and commit of the hooligan actions,
— Borshulyak adds

 

He is assured that casualties could have been avoided, if law-enforcers had fulfilled their direct duties promptly and timely. Upon this fact, the prosecutor’s office launched criminal proceedings. The prosecutor asks reporters and witnesses to assist investigation.