President Petro Poroshenko said that some members of the Berkut and Alpha special forces who have been accused of crimes against people during the mass protests in Kyiv may be granted amnesty.
Poroshenko discussed the possibility in an interview with Ukrainian television channels, reports Ukrainska Pravda, August 2.
“Some of the members of Berkut and Alpha are currently fighting heroically in the East. I do not exclude the possibility that, in light of their success in combat operations, I will have to decide on their amnesty. I think that would be just. They have washed away their guilt in blood, and this is the answer we must give them,” he said.
Furthermore, Poroshenko said there is no statute of limitations for crimes committed on Maidan. “Regarding crimes on Maidan … and the events of May 2 in Odesa, we have set up an international commission of inquiry that will participate in investigating the crimes,” he said.
“I’m not pleased with the pace of the investigation, but the fact is that today all the criminal cases connected with the dispersal of Maidan that had been halted over the last two months have now been resumed. This is the right step, in my view,” he said.
According to Poroshenko, criminal cases have been opened against 30 prosecutors, 11 judges, and various representatives of law enforcement. In addition, 27 government officials have been placed on international wanted lists.
Poroshenko emphasized the need to reform the security forces. “We have to restructure the law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the local government,” he said. “Cosmetic changes will not help,” and a new law on police and its rights and functions is needed.
In addition, Poroshenko stated that all persons directly or indirectly connected to terrorism in the Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts must be held accountable.
“There must be accountability — financial and criminal. Position, connections, or a parliamentary seat must not offer protection,” he said.
[hr] Translation: Anna MostovychSources: 5.ua, pravda
