Ukraine Law Enforcement 'Negligent' Over Odessa Tragedy Probe

Systemic problems within Ukrainian law enforcement agencies led to serious issues in Kiev's investigation into the May 2014 Odessa massacre, according to Clare Ovey, of the International Advisory Panel of the Council of Europe.

Clare Ovey, legal counsel of the International Advisory Panel of the Council of Europe, claimed that the systemic problems inherent to Ukrainian law enforcement led to problems in Kiev's inquiry into the Odessa massacre in May 2014.

"There are quite a few problems existing in Ukraine's legal system, including the lack of qualified personnel and independent structures, which could investigate accusations against the police," Ovey said.

According to her, "it was not a problem pertaining to the lack of good will; rather, it was a question of negligence."

Ovey expressed hope that the Kiev authorities will wrap up the investigation, which will be followed by the trial.

"The investigation is continuing, and the International Advisory Panel [of the Council of Europe] hopes that the trial will take place after relevant charges are brought," she said.

Earlier, the panel said in a report that Kiev's inquiry into the 2014 Odessa events failed to comply with the requirements of the European Human Right Convention

On May 2, 2014, pro-Kiev radicals blocked anti-government protesters in Odessa's House of Trade Unions and set the building on fire by hurling Molotov cocktails inside.

The tragic incident left some 50 people dead while the overall number of casualties exceeded 250.