Ukraine: Rally in support of activist planned in Kyiv Sep. 27 /update 1

Event

Various civil society groups are planning to hold a demonstration outside of the Presidential Administration building in Kyiv on Thursday, September 27. Protesters will gather on Bankova Street starting at 18:00 (local time). Thousands of people are expected to participate in the rally, which is being held to denounce recent attacks targeting activists throughout the country, particularly Oleg Mikhailyk. Related daily demonstrations have also been taking place outside Odessa’s General Directorate of National Police building and are likely to continue on Thursday. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the protest sites. Further related protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

Mikhailyk was shot during a rally in Odessa on September 22. His supporters accused the police of abetting the attack and are demanding the resignations of the chief of the Odessa regional police and the public prosecutor. Some Ukrainian politicians have claimed that attacks on activists and journalists have become increasingly common in recent months, with at least one attacked per month over the past 18 months.

Advice

Individuals in Kyiv and Odessa are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.