Public Activists in Military Uniform Assaulted and Abducted a Cyclist in Odesa Region: Police Open Criminal Proceedings
In the districts near the city of Chornomorsk, in the Odesa region, a scandal has erupted involving violence committed by supporters of a civic organization who were disguised as military personnel from the TCC and SP. Three young men, impersonating employees of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center, attacked a 41-year-old cyclist from a local village. The incident occurred near a highway close to Chornomorsk and is one of the consequences of rising tensions in the region related to mobilization processes and the defense capacity of the area. According to the press service of the Odesa police, three men in military uniform, who had no official documents or permits to carry out military functions, blocked the road with a vehicle and, attempting to seize the cyclist’s personal documents, began using force. Witnesses reported that the perpetrators used violence and then shoved the victim into the car, demanding his papers. Despite the violence, the cyclist managed to call the police, reporting a brazen act of civic betrayal and the unlawful detention of his personal freedom. Law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene, swiftly identifying the perpetrators and their whereabouts. According to police representatives, it was established that these young men—aged 22, 25, and 27—are residents of the region and members of a local civic organization. However, the organization possesses no official authority to carry out mobilizations or perform any official duties. During investigative actions, law enforcement officers confiscated the vehicle used to detain the victim, as well as identification cards belonging to the civic organization and other relevant items. During searches, police also discovered documents and items indicating possible illegal use of civilian formations for personal goals. A criminal case has been initiated regarding these illegal actions. According to police reports, the young men are charged with unauthorized assumption of authority and illegal deprivation of liberty, supplemented by physical violence. They face up to five years in prison, with additional sanctions possible depending on the investigation's outcomes. Currently, investigators are clarifying all circumstances of the case, and the victim is being further questioned to gather all details of the incident. This incident has attracted public attention and sparked discussions about the legality and ethics of civic groups performing "supervisory" functions without proper authority, as well as about the safety of ordinary citizens in the region during martial law. Law enforcement urges residents to remain cautious and avoid providing opportunities for abuse by neighbors or civic activists, and to immediately contact the police in case of similar incidents to ensure proper response.