Comment by the Information and Press Department on the death of lawyer Yury Grabovsky in Ukraine

Tragic news came from Kiev on March 25. According to the Ukrainian National Bar Association, lawyer Yury Grabovsky was found murdered. He is known as the lawyer of former Russian serviceman Alexander Aleksandrov, whose case along with the case of another Russian citizen, Yevgeny Yerofeyev, is being examined by a Ukrainian court.

Our worst presentiments became reality. Despite all warnings, the Kiev authorities did not manage or did not want to ensure the safety of Mr Grabovsky.

Ukraine clearly does not intend to adhere to legal methods or accept facts that do not fit into the scheme built by the ruling circles and based on anti-Russian and at times overtly Russophobic hysteria.

The return to the intimidation and killing of dissentients and even lawyers indicates that anti-democratic, totalitarian trends are on the rise in Ukraine. These trends do not align with European norms of morality and law – the most popular topic discussed by the Ukrainian government.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Yury Grabovsky. We expect the Ukrainian authorities to take the necessary measures to find and bring to justice all those involved in the crime.

March 25, 2016