Andriy Bilous to Remain in Custody
Andriy Bilous, the former director of the Young Theater, will remain in custody until March 21, 2026, on suspicion of sexual violence and the rape of students. Bilous was arrested on October 21. The prosecution alleges that from 2017, he abused his authority and official position to coerce female students into non-consensual sexual relations. This case is part of a broader, ongoing reckoning with abuse of power in Ukrainian cultural and educational institutions.
Case Details
Over a five-year period, Andriy Bilous is accused of repeatedly raping and committing acts of sexual violence against five young women, two of whom were minors at the time of the alleged crimes. The offenses reportedly took place in the theater's administrative offices. The criminal activity is said to have occurred between March 2018 and April 2023. In one instance, an anonymous victim accused Bilous of sexual harassment, claiming he sent her photographs of other students' intimate body parts and requested she send similar images of herself.
The educational institution where Andriy Bilous is employed stated it had not received any official complaints but has contacted the police. Bilous has also filed a report with the police. Kyiv police are continuing their investigation into the criminal proceedings. Currently, Bilous holds the position of head of the department of acting art and drama directing at the Ivan Karpenko-Kary Kyiv National University of Theater, Cinema and Television.
An investigative judge of the Pechersk District Court of Kyiv ruled to extend the term of detention, as reported by Maria Pylaieva. The director's wife is named Iryna. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge in the near future.
This case has sparked significant public outcry, highlighting the pervasive issue of sexual violence within educational institutions and workplaces. It underscores the critical need for victims to have accessible channels for reporting abuse and seeking protection, and for authorities to implement robust measures to ensure safety in academic settings. Continued investigations may reveal new details and further shape public discourse on such crimes.