EuroMaidan Revolution
Halya Coynash: Repression gaining pace
The latest apparent victim of efforts to stifle anti-government protest is a lawyer – Viktor Smaliy, who was defending Road Control journalist Andriy Dzyndzya. In present circumstances, the charge should send a shiver down the spine of many a lawyer. This, presumably, is the desired effect.
Smaliy is accused of attempted murder, with his alleged target being the judge hearing the application to detain Dzyndzya in custody. The crime under Article 379 of the Criminal Code carries a sentence of 8-15 years or life imprisonment.