During the last days of May, accusations directed against Ukraine’s law enforcement system were heard across the country. The worst allegations concerned a gang sexual assault of a woman, the torturing of a man, and inaction allowing a daylight mass shooting to take place. Although at first glance, the incidents appeared unrelated since they took place in different locations, in fact, they share the same plight – the lack of reform of systemic flaws in law enforcement. Failed process of attestation of police officers, poor conditions of work and low pay, and lack of responsibility both at the local level and within the Ministry of Internal Affairs contribute to the overall police problem the most. Following the most recent dereliction of duty, MPs of the Voice (Holos) faction initiated a petition in Parliament for the resignation of the Internal Affairs Minister Arsen Avakov. Several protests against him have been also taken place. Later, a draft resolution on Avakov’s resignation was registered in Parliament.
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Olena Makarenko: Avakov’s dodging responsibility for police crimes
Protesters attend one of several protests that took place in downtown Kyiv demanding the resignation of Interior Minister Arsen Avakov on June 5, 2020.
