Denys Kulikovskyi's Sentence Finalized
Ukraine's Supreme Court has definitively upheld the 15-year prison sentence for Denys Kulikovskyi (call sign 'Palych'), the former head of the clandestine 'Isolation' prison in Donetsk where captives were tortured. The court rejected the defense's final appeal, meaning Kulikovskyi must now serve his full term. Factoring in pre-trial detention time counted under the 'Savchenko Law'—where one day in custody counts as two—his actual time behind bars will be approximately 8.5 years.
Case Details
Until 2018, Denys Kulikovskyi ran the secret 'Isolation' prison, located on the grounds of a former insulation materials factory in Donetsk. He was detained in Kyiv in November 2021. Initially, Kulikovskyi admitted guilt and cooperated with investigators, but later claimed in court that the case against him was fabricated. His pre-trial detention period was applied under the rule that credits one day in custody as two days of a prison sentence.
Under the final sentence, Denys Kulikovskyi will be eligible for release when he is 50 years old. He is currently held in complete isolation. The 'Isolation' prison became a notorious site of lawlessness and torture, as confirmed by victim testimonies detailing brutal abuse:
Oleh Suhurei describes torture that included the use of electric shocks.
Maksym Teorenther states he endured suffering so severe it is beyond comparison to any other torment.
Stanislav Aseiev, one of those tortured at 'Isolation,' believes the 15-year sentence for Kulikovskyi is unjust. He argues that such a criminal, whom he describes as a classic psychopath and sadist, should never be released back into society. Kulikovskyi continues to maintain his innocence, claiming he never killed or tortured anyone.
This case represents a significant precedent for justice in Ukraine, particularly given the ongoing conflict in the country's east. The ruling underscores the pursuit of accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses committed during the war. The reaction from survivors and their families highlights the profound societal trauma and the immense challenges facing Ukraine's judicial system as it seeks to deliver justice for all victims.