18 days without contact and with broken ribs: the ombudsman reported violations at the Mykolaiv TCC

Representatives of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights secured the release of six men from the assembly point of the Mykolaiv Regional TCC and SP. According to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, there were no legal grounds to detain these people.

He reported this on 23 June 2026.

The check was prompted by a complaint from the brother of a man who had not been in contact with his family for 18 days. According to preliminary information, his ribs were broken during mobilization actions involving police officers.

When the Ombudsman’s representatives arrived at the assembly point, they, according to Lubinets, discovered a number of facts that may indicate systemic human rights violations.

The man with the injured ribs had legal grounds for a deferral because he is the sole caregiver for his 80-year-old mother. After the Ombudsman’s representatives intervened, he was released.

Among those detained was also the father of a child with a disability. The Ombudsman reported that during the man’s detention a police officer likely kicked his son.

The boy was left alone on the street in the evening. Due to stress and diabetes, the child’s condition deteriorated.

On this fact the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a pre-trial investigation into possible abuse of power by police officers. The question of adding additional information to the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations (ЄРДР) is also being considered.

Four other released men had health problems. According to the Ombudsman, two of them were diagnosed with serious illnesses, one has viral hepatitis, and another has knee problems.

All six men were given the opportunity to apply for deferral documents or undergo additional medical examinations.

At the initiative of the Ombudsman’s representative, a report was sent to the State Bureau of Investigations and the prosecutor’s office about possible abuse of power, unlawful deprivation of liberty, and leaving a person in danger by police officers and the TCC and SP.

“The approach to mobilization requires immediate changes, and the so‑called ‘busification’ must be brought to an end. Mobilization is necessary for the defense of the state. However, every case of illegal actions must receive a legal assessment,” — emphasized Dmytro Lubinets.

Reminder: earlier we wrote:

• 30 complaints of beatings: an officer in Korabelny RTCC has been notified of suspicion
• In Mykolaiv, a TCC employee is suspected of beating a man liable for military service
• A man with his 8-year-old daughter was taken to the TCC: the child spent more than 10 hours there
• After captivity — beaten at home: a released serviceman reported an attack by people in balaclavas
• Beatings, abductions, car accidents: TCC and SP massively violate people’s rights — Ombudsman in shock