European human rights court finds Ukraine violated rights in Kateryna Handziuk murder case
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Ukraine violated the right to life and freedom of expression in the case of Kateryna Handziuk, an anti-corruption activist who died after a sulfuric acid attack in 2018.
In its November 5 judgment in Gandziuk and Others v. Ukraine, the court found violations of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, concerning the right to life, and Article 10, protecting freedom of expression.
The application was brought by Handziuk's parents, Viktor and Nadiia Handziuk, and her partner, Serhii Denysov, who argued that Ukrainian authorities had failed to conduct an effective investigation into the attack and fully establish responsibility for organizing it.
An investigation that left questions unanswered
The ECHR acknowledged that Ukrainian investigators had achieved substantial results, including identifying and prosecuting those responsible for carrying out and organizing the attack.
However, it found that the authorities had failed to investigate sufficiently thoroughly a credible line of inquiry concerning the possible involvement of additional people who may have ordered the crime.
According to local outlet MOST, the court also examined delays in the early investigation, problems with evidence handling and coordination between law enforcement agencies, and concerns about conflicts of interest.
The court found a connection between the attack and Handziuk's civic and political activities, including her criticism of corruption and local officials.
It also concluded that violence intended to silence an activist could have an intimidating effect on other journalists and members of civil society.
The ECHR found violations of Article 2 in both its substantive and procedural aspects, as well as a violation of Article 10.
Ukraine was ordered to pay €40,000 in non-pecuniary damages jointly to Handziuk's parents and another €40,000 to her partner, along with €4,000 for legal costs and expenses.
Who was Kateryna Handziuk?
Handziuk was a prominent anti-corruption activist and adviser to the mayor of Kherson, a city in southern Ukraine.
On July 31, 2018, an attacker poured concentrated sulfuric acid over her outside her home. She suffered severe burns covering more than 40% of her body and underwent multiple operations.
She died on November 4, 2018, at the age of 33.
Her killing prompted a nationwide campaign demanding accountability under the slogan "Who ordered Katya Handziuk's murder?"
In June 2023, a Kyiv court sentenced former Kherson Regional Council chairman Vladyslav Manher and Oleksii Levin to 10 years in prison each for their roles in ordering and organizing the attack.
Both appealed their convictions, and the proceedings remain ongoing.
The ECHR judgment does not overturn those convictions or determine the criminal guilt of any additional suspects. It addresses Ukraine's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.
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