Ukraine: Protesters gathering outside Pechersk courthouse in Kyiv March 23

Event

Activists are gathering to protest outside the Pechersk courthouse in Kyiv March 23 during a hearing against Vlad Sord, who was arrested during a demonstration in support of nationalist leader Serhiy Sternenko. Participants are gathering on Khrestovyi street as of 1320. Hundreds of people could attend the demonstration.

Police could deploy in large numbers, and related security measures will likely cause disruptions. Clashes and other security disturbances are highly likely at nationalist-associated protests, and police will likely respond forcefully to any disorder, including with batons, water cannon, and tear gas. While bystanders are unlikely to be targeted in any violence, they would face a significant indirect threat in the vicinity.

Context

Sord was detained on hooliganism charges March 20 during a protest in support of Sternenko, who was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment Feb. 23 on kidnapping charges. Related protests have since been reported in Kyiv, Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Lviv, Poltava, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr, with some demonstrations in Kyiv and Zhytomyr being marred by violence. Further protests are likely in the short term.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate any associated disruptions. Anticipate security-related movement restrictions in the vicinity of the Pechersk courthouse on the afternoon of March 23. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of a confrontation.