On July 25, a video depicting a fight was circulated on the anonymous Facebook profile “Information-Analytical Union” and on Russian-language Facebook accounts (1, 2, 3, 4), with claims that a drunk man attacked women in Odessa. The posts allege that the attacker is a Ukrainian soldier, with some posts further stating that he is an employee of the Ukrainian security company “Samson.”
The claim, as if a Ukrainian soldier assaulted two women is disinformation. According to the Odessa police statement, the attacker is not a Ukrainian citizen and is not an employee of “Samson.”
Odesa Police: The Attacker is Not a Ukrainian Citizen
On July 25, Odesa police released a statement regarding the incident, stating that the attacker was a citizen of a neighboring country. The incident occurred on the evening of July 17 on Uspenskaya Street. The police were alerted by a witness.
The police report indicates that the accused, who lives in Odesa, had a dispute with a conductor on public transportation and verbally abused him. A 30-year-old Odesa woman, who was traveling by car, noticed the conflict, stopped her vehicle, and went to help the public transport staff. The attacker then turned his attention to her and assaulted her. The police arrived at the scene and took the attacker to the station. It was later confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol.
A criminal case has been initiated under Article 125, Part 1 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which qualifies as intentional minor bodily harm. This article provides for a fine of up to 850 hryvnias, community service of up to 200 hours, or corrective labor for up to one year.
There were also claims that the accused was an employee of “Samson.” The company has denied this on its official Facebook page.
About the Source
Facebook accounts Аркадий Шумский and Андрей Шевцов have disseminated disinformation in the past as well.
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