The Pechersk District Court of Kyiv has granted the request of the Office of the Prosecutor General for the arrest of the former director of the "Young Theater" – a lecturer at Karpenko-Kary University. 

The suspect will remain in custody until December 25, 2025, without the possibility of bail.

On October 21, he was informed of the suspicion of systematic rapes and sexual violence against female students, including minors, under parts 2, 3 of Article 152 and parts 1, 2 of Article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

According to Deputy Prosecutor General Maria Vdovichenko, this is the first case in Ukraine's history regarding harassment that has reached the level of a real investigation and suspicion.

“We have testimonies from the victims and substantial evidence in the investigation materials that form the basis of the suspicion. According to the testimonies of the victimized students, the suspect forced them into sexual relations, using his position, trust, and intimidation.”

According to the Deputy Prosecutor General, the girls who tried to avoid harassment were publicly devalued and humiliated by him, excluded from performances, threatened with expulsion from the university, and deprived of the opportunity to secure a position as an actor in the theater.

“I am grateful to those who found the strength to speak out. This is the courage that changes the country,” emphasized Maria Vdovichenko.

Note: According to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a guilty verdict of the court.