[96943] Exposure of irregularities and use of force at recruitment centers in Mykolaiv: six men released

Recruitment scandal in Mykolaiv: cases of abuse and illegal detention exposed

Following a complaint from the family of one of the recruits, the Ukrainian Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, conducted a surprise inspection at the regional recruitment center (TCC) in Mykolaiv. As reported by Лачен пише, the inspection led to the immediate release of six men who were being held illegally.

Among the released detainees was a man who suffered from broken ribs and had been cut off from contact with his family for 18 days, even though he was eligible for an exemption due to caring for his 80-year-old mother. As noted by Ukraine NOW, the case sparked significant public outrage, especially in light of testimony that a police officer kicked the son of one of the recruits during the arrest, which led to a deterioration in the child's health condition.

The reports indicate a pattern of systematic abuse. According to ТСН новини, in addition to the aforementioned cases, four other individuals were released, including some suffering from serious illnesses such as hepatitis and complex orthopedic problems. Lubinets emphasized that "the approach to recruitment requires urgent changes, and an end must be put to 'bussification'" (the use of violent coercive methods).

The affair has echoed through the Ukrainian media. While major news outlets focused on aspects of human rights and structural functioning, the ГНАП channel, which displays a more critical and combative line toward the establishment, labeled the recruitment facility "Gestapo." The Ombudsman's office has transferred the findings to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of abuse of power and misuse of authority, as published by Ми Україна.