You're reading: Yanukovych calling for greater control over detention facilities

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said he believes that controls should be strengthened over temporary detention facilities.

"When the police detain a citizen, the state is fully responsible for his life and health. Therefore, strengthening the supervision over temporary detention facilities, conducting video surveillance, which will prevent any violation of citizens’ rights, will be the first but far from the last step," the president said on Friday at a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s police force.

Yanukovych also expressed regret that corruption still existed in the Interior Ministry.

According to him, there are cases of personal violence, as well as violations by the police.

"Such actions are destroying the authority of the state and undermining the credibility of the law," the president said.

Speaking about modernization of the Interior Ministry, Yanukovych said that it would involve not only upgrading equipment and renovating facilities, but also changing the way the police interact with citizens.

In particular, the president demanded that the Interior Ministry’s leadership make every effort to increase transparency of the police, as well as to improve cooperation with the public.

He also noted that the Euro 2012 European Football Championship would be a test for the police. The president said the security of guests and participants of the championship should be guaranteed.