A Ukrainian language activist who caused bodily harm to police officers near the Ukrainian House in Kyiv has been sentenced to two years in prison, and released with a one-year suspended sentence.
“Shevchenkivsky District Court in Kyiv passed a sentence in a criminal case against a participant of events near the Ukrainian House on July 4, who caused bodily harm to police officers in connection with the fulfillment of their duties… The court ruled to sentence him to two years in prison and release him with a one-year suspended sentence,” the media liaisons office of Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office reported.
The prosecutor’s office noted that on July 4, 2012, the man used a chemical spray can to police officers who performed their duties on maintaining public order near the Ukrainian House Center for Cultural and Business Cooperation. Three police officers had the mucous membranes of their eyes harmed by the unknown liquid.
“In determining the punishment, the court supported the position of the prosecutor in the case and took into account the defendant’s contrition,” reads the statement.
As reported, mass protests started near the Ukrainian House in Kyiv after the Verkhovna Rada adopted the law on principles of state language policy on July 3, 2012. Scuffles with the use of tear gas were reported there several times. Fifteen law enforcers were injured in the scuffles. Four criminal cases were opened.
Journalist and blogger Dmytro Reznichenko, who participated in the rally, was detained on October 3.
