Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Children and justice are disregarded in the nation’s latest dirty scandal.

Sludge – as in thick greasy mud, sewage or sediment – and fest, as in festival. That's what is shaping up in Ukraine over a child sexual abuse scandal. The case has degenerated into an unconscionable travesty of justice, with leading presidential candidates seeking to gain politically from horrific accusations – and possibly horrific abuse – ahead of the Jan. 17 presidential election.

Lost in the mudslinging, however, are the interests of at least two sexually abused children. Victimized once by pedophiles, they were re-victimized after the scandal broke out publicly on Oct. 13. They were victimized once again by inept law enforcers, who learned of the accusations in April and were in a position to resolve the case by now. The children were yet again savaged by politicians and journalists who publicly disseminated what should be confidential details.

A father of the two children is jailed in the case. But were politicians and staff of Crimea's Artek children's camp involved in a pedophile ring? This is the question that we want law enforcement to answer.

It’s still far from clear whether the implicated are guilty of anything, or merely victims of a smear campaign. The case is just one more reflection of how corrupt the political elite have become and how vulnerable citizens of all ages and classes remain.

We hope someone rises from the muck to protect the children. We also note sadly that thousands of youngsters are believed to be sexually exploited each year in Ukraine. If politicians and law enforcement had any moral fiber, they would never have allowed the country’s future generations and its most vulnerable citizens to be victimized with such impunity.

Now that one case has made the headlines because national lawmakers have been implicated, voters are being bombarded with more speculation and accusations than concrete action. It’s become another example of why Ukraine’s institutions have lost credibility.

Few seem interested in cracking the case or in separating fact from fiction. Rather, leaders are engaged in savaging opponents, covering for friends or making false accusations. Politicians should stop talking and start ensuring that law enforcement tries the lawbreakers, no matter who they are.

Before the presidential election campaign gets any more overheated, now may be the best time to show self-restraint in public and decisive action in private. The political debate needs to be elevated to confront all of the nation's serious challenges, including putting an end to the sexual abuse of children.