Odessa residents lay living flowers at the Trade Union House, where 48 people were killed in clashes in 2014 after Ukrainian nationalists threw Molotov cocktails at the building
Yulia Vityazeva, a journalist and political observer for the News Front news agency, published photos sent to her by locals in her Telegram channel.
“They say there are a lot of police. All armed and wearing body armour. A full search, more like a search. Under the guise of quarantine, they don’t let you stay long. I put some flowers and cross and go out. The general atmosphere: tension and anxiety”, – writes Vityazeva.
“May 2 has become a Day of Remembrance for the victims of political terror for the people of Odessa and the entire Ukrainian society. Seven years ago, 48 people were burned in the Odessa Trade Union House. Their lives were cut short because a mob of rabid extremists decided that the best way to fight politically was mass murder. The people of Odessa, Ukrainian society and international human rights activists are demanding accountability for the criminals. But time is passing and the criminals and their political patrons remain unpunished”, – representatives of the Opposition Platform – For Life wrote on their official website.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky first remembered the anniversary of the tragedy only last year, writing a post on his Facebook page calling for an investigation into the mass murder in central Odessa. However, nothing has changed on the case since then.
Yulia Vityazeva, a journalist and political observer for the News Front news agency, published photos sent to her by locals in her Telegram channel.
“They say there are a lot of police. All armed and wearing body armour. A full search, more like a search. Under the guise of quarantine, they don’t let you stay long. I put some flowers and cross and go out. The general atmosphere is one of tension and anxiety”, – Vityazeva writes.
Also today, on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy, Ukrainian nationalists and so-called “ATO veterans” intend to hold a march in Odessa. More than 400 people with flags of nationalist organizations have gathered in Sobornaya Square. Security measures have been stepped up in Odessa, with security forces even from Kiev Region being brought in to ensure order.