The Interior Ministry in Odesa region has given a toll of 37 dead and near 200 people wounded on May 2, 2014, including 22 policemen.
“I extend heartfelt condolences to families of killed citizens and those who were injured during the events in Odesa. 37 people were killed and near 200 people were wounded, including 22 policemen,” reads a statement of the head of the chief department of the Interior Ministry Petro Lutsiuk posted on the ministry’s Web site on Saturday morning.
He said that the interior ministry’s agencies launched 10 criminal proceedings under various articles: Article 294 (mass unrest), Article 115 (voluntary manslaughter), Article 345 (threat or violence against law-enforcement officers), Article 296 (hooliganism), Article 341 (seizure of state or public buildings and facilities) and Article 194 (intentional destruction or damage to property of citizens).
At present, police detained over 130 persons who took active part in mass disorder.
“I call on citizens not to fall for provocations and not to participate in doubtful mass street protests. Law-enforcement agencies will make all possible not to prevent such tragedies in the future and maintain peace in our land. I assure you that the police will do its best to put to justice all guilty persons,” he said.
On May 2, 2014, pro-Russian protesters clashed with Ukrainian government supporters. Most of people were killed by fire in the Trade Union House – over 30 people. City authorities announced three days mourning on May 3, 4 and 5.
