A serious incident involving the violation of citizens' rights at a military commissariat has been recorded in the Ternopil region. Dmytro Lubinets, the Ombudsman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, confirmed that people with mental disorders and disabilities were illegally detained at the Ternopil District and City TCC and SP.

Immediate release of citizens

The situation was rectified only after the direct intervention of representatives of the Ombudsman's Office. During a monitoring visit, it was possible to secure the release of five citizens who were not subject to mobilization. They were immediately released from the military commissariat premises, and corresponding changes were made to their military records regarding their removal from military registration.

Among those released were individuals whose health condition categorically prevents them from serving:

  • A man with lifelong disability of Group II since childhood.
  • Two citizens with mental disorders (specific diagnoses are not disclosed for ethical reasons).
  • Two men who had only about six months left before reaching the maximum age for military registration.

Mass complaints about rights violations

The scale of the problem at the Ternopil TCC turned out to be broader than a single specific case. At the time of the ombudsman's representatives' visit, there were about 28 mobilized individuals in the premises. Of these, 17 people submitted written complaints regarding possible violations of their rights. This indicates systemic problems in the institution's work.

The need for urgent reform

Dmytro Lubinets called the incident another proof that the mobilization reform in Ukraine is urgently necessary. According to the ombudsman, changes were needed yesterday, not today or tomorrow.

Recall that recently, the topic of violations in TCCs and pre-trial detention centers has been at the center of attention for law enforcement agencies. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has already opened a criminal case after a video of the abuse of a TCC employee in the Odesa pre-trial detention center appeared online.