In Kiev near the building of the Young Theater, protests are deployed. Dozens of students, artists and indifferent citizens came out to express outrage and call the city authorities for decisive action. The main requirement of protesters is the removal of director Bilous from office because of the charges of sexual harassment.
Activists keep posters with slogans against impunity and urge Kiev leadership for immediate response. “The accusations of this kind should not be ignored. A person suspected of Haraster should not remain in office until the investigation is completed, ”the action organizers said.
Against the background of protests, law enforcement agencies are engaged in the situation. Police have already opened criminal proceedings under Article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine concerning sexual violence.
Information about possible harassment was first appeared on social networks, after which the former students and administration of the Karpenko-Karya University of Theater, Cinema and Television of Kyiv. Currently, testimony and surveys of students, teachers and graduates of the university are underway.
The theatrical community calls for an open consideration of the situation. According to the artists, avoiding the solution of this issue undermines the trust in institutions that should ensure security and justice.
Protesters say they will not stop until they receive the official reaction of the city authorities and see decisive steps towards a fair investigation.
The scandal surrounding Harastment has caused widespread resonance in society. The situation becomes a litmus paper that will show how seriously Ukraine is ready to respond to cases of sexual abuse in cultural and educational institutions.
