TCC inspections in Zakarpattia yielded first results: suspensions and criminal cases

Inspections of territorial recruitment centers in Zakarpattia have led not only to improved conditions for conscripts and personnel decisions, but also to criminal proceedings. Three employees of the Uzhhorod Regional TCR and SS were notified of suspicion, and the court placed them under arrest.

This was reported by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Lubinets after another monitoring visit to the Uzhhorod district TCR and SS.

The Ombudsman checked how the management responded to the violations discovered by his team earlier. According to Lubinets, the situation in the premises has noticeably changed: repairs were carried out, places for people to stay were equipped, food and clothing issues were resolved, and video surveillance was installed.

Previously, conscripts were actually housed in a gymnasium. During the previous monitoring, Ombudsman representatives reported inadequate sanitary conditions, insufficient tableware, and problems with personal hygiene.

In addition, cases of prolonged stay of people in the TCR premises were recorded. According to the Ombudsman, some conscripts stayed there for more than 50 days.

The identified violations also received legal assessment. Three employees of the Uzhhorod RTCR and SS — two managers and a serviceman — were notified of suspicion. The latter is suspected of torturing a person. The court chose detention as a measure of restraint for all three.

In addition, the court had previously found the head of the Uzhhorod RTCR and SS guilty of obstructing the lawful activities of the representative of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights.

Inspections were also carried out in other TCRs of the region. In August, Lubinets reported mass violations in the Berehove district TCR and SS. According to his data, cases of detention of conscripts with valid deferments and cancellation of such deferments without proper grounds were revealed.

The Ombudsman forwarded materials on these facts to the Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the Defense Sphere of the Western Region for entry into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations and further verification of officials' actions.

Amid the identified violations, the head of the Zakarpattia Regional TCR and SS was also removed from office. Lubinets stated that his office repeatedly recorded human rights violations and corruption risks in the region and sent relevant submissions to responsible bodies.

After the new visit, the Ombudsman emphasized that inspections are not limited to recording violations. His team repeatedly visits institutions to monitor the implementation of recommendations and changes in conditions for conscripts.

Based on materials from: Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrinform