The Ukrainian government should launch a fresh investigation into the death of Kyiv student Ihor Indylo in custody, Amnesty International said in a statement posted on its Web site after two police officers suspected of causing the death of this student, were released following the court session in Kyiv on January 5.
Both officers were only tried on minor negligence charges over the death of 19-year-old Ihor Indylo. One of them, Serhiy Prykhodko, was given a five-year suspended sentence, while the other, Serhiy Kovalenko, was granted amnesty by the court.
Indylo died from a fractured skull and internal bleeding in May 2010 after being arrested and interrogated by the two officers in Kyiv. His family suspect Serhiy Prykhodko inflicted the fatal injury.
"Charging the two police officers with minor negligence when there is strong evidence to suggest that their behavior resulted in Ihor Indilo’s death shows a shocking disregard for human life," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia.
"This case has become a litmus test for the Ukrainian justice system’s ability to seriously deal with allegations of police abuse. Its failure to do so highlights the need for systemic reform," Dalhuisen said.
