Ongoing destruction in Gorky Park

There were attempts again in the morning of 1 August to carry out illegal tree-felling in Kharkiv’s Gorky Park. One of the loggers with his saw turned on attacked the Park’s defenders with one possibly having sustained serious injury. The workmen have no documents permitting the felling yet the police are protecting them and preventing efforts by the Park defenders to stop the criminal destruction of live and healthy trees. There are around 25 strongmen from the “municipal security”, with their head Kalina. Zeleny Front reports that during the day the Deputy Mayor, I. Terekhov, also turned up.

On Monday, 1 August, the court hearings were supposed to be held against the two activists detained on Saturday. However there was no hearing and as of 11.50 there had been no administrative charges laid. Judge Shostak stated that the summons issued by the police to the two people were not court summonses. The two young people left statements in the court office, asking for clarification as to whether administrative proceedings had been initiated against them.

During the day another activist was detained. No demands were issued, they claimed only that the person was asked to come to the Central Police Station.  The police lieutenant refused to identify himself.  The person was released a bit later but had a bruise and haematoma on his face and is presently trying to get a medical examination.

Another activist was asked to go to the police station to establish his identity, but they released him when he produced his passport.

 Reported by Zeleny Front