Tragedy in Holosiiv: legal commentary by Oleksiy Bebel
In a broadcast by political scientist Yury Romanenko, lawyer Oleksiy Bebel spoke about the events related to the shooting in Holosiiv. He criticized the investigation system for self-defense cases and pointed out the shortcomings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reform that began after 2014, as well as expressing serious doubts about the legalization of combat weapons in the country.
Bebel emphasized that there is a problem of human factor in the Ukrainian investigation system. 'The human factor comes into play: it is easier for an investigator to cancel a decision than to receive another complaint about himself,' he noted, calling for a change in the philosophy of the state's and law enforcement agencies' approach to self-defense issues.
Difficulties with weapon circulation and the results of the MIA reform
Speaking about possible legalization, the lawyer expressed concern:
'People buying a pistol or rifle do not always relate this to whether they will be able to use it... for most, these are things that internally stop them.'In his opinion, the free circulation of weapons in the current complex psychological situation in Ukraine is too bold a step. 'Perhaps, one should take this path: a person wishing to acquire a combat pistol should first buy traumatic weapons for two to three years. During this time, they will demonstrate themselves as an adequate person whom one can trust with combat weapons,' Bebel suggested.
The lawyer also stated that according to the current Criminal Procedural Code, any use of weapons in self-defense that results in death is automatically entered into the Unified Register of Preliminary Investigations.
'If a person used weapons for self-defense and there is a corpse, according to the current code, this is necessarily entered into the register. There are two options: either under the article for intentional murder or for exceeding the limits of necessary defense,' he explained.
Furthermore, Bebel touched upon the topic of MIA reform. 'After 2014, when the reform was being carried out, everyone said that now we will change the people and everything will turn around, it will be wonderful. But this will not happen because, apart from general ideas, there is a question of material support for each employee, whose salary remains very low,' he said.
In the lawyer's opinion, to improve the criminogenic situation requires a systematic study of the problem and a deep understanding of society. 'There needs to be a systematic study of the criminogenic situation and a deep understanding of the society in which you live,' Bebel summarized, calling for real changes in the law enforcement system. His concerns reflect wide public debates in Ukraine about safety and law and order. In light of recent tragic events, questions of weapon control and police efficiency are becoming particularly acute. In the Russian legal field, the discussion about firearms is also ongoing but in different legislative and social realities.
In the context of the discussion on the legalization of weapons in Ukraine, it is also worth paying attention to a recent comment from an expert, which raises important questions about the consequences of the terrorist act in Kyiv. In this regard, the discussion on civilian weapons and security measures gains special relevance, given recent events and the challenges facing the country's law enforcement system.