Deputy Attorney General Maria Vdovichenko announced the suspicion of the former head of the theatrical and entertainment institution "Kyiv National Academic Young Theatre" – the head of the second department of acting and drama directing at the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Cinema and Television named after I.K. Karpenko-Karyi for the rape and sexual violence against students, including minors (parts 2, 3 of Article 152 and parts 1, 2 of Article 153 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The pre-trial investigation established that since 2017, the suspect, using his significant authority in the theatrical environment, his position as a teacher and director of the theatre, systematically coerced female students into engaging in sexual relations with him without their voluntary consent and committed sexual violence against them.

From March 2018 to April 2023, in the service premises of the theatre, he repeatedly raped and committed violent sexual acts against five girls, two of whom were minors at the time of the crimes.

It should be noted that the expressions and actions of the suspect were aimed at the complete subjugation of the students.

According to the conclusions of forensic psychological examinations, the actions of the suspect caused the victims prolonged psychotraumatic consequences, disrupted social functioning, and created a need for psychological and psychiatric assistance.

To those who tried to avoid him and reacted negatively to sexual harassment, he created an atmosphere of intimidation, namely – he did not pay attention during classes, publicly devalued and humiliated them, and did not involve them in practical classes (performances), which threatened the expulsion of students from the educational institution and deprived them of the prospects of securing a position as an actor in the Young Theatre.

In addition to the testimonies of the victims, dozens of witnesses have been interrogated in the case, confirming the facts of the suspect's sexualized behavior, coercion of female students to send intimate photos and engage in indecent conversations, as well as instances of physical harassment in the theatre premises.

During authorized searches at the residence and workplace of the former head of the university, mobile devices and other material evidence were seized, which are being examined within the framework of the criminal proceedings.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The procedural leadership in the case is carried out by the Office of the Attorney General, and the investigation is conducted by employees of the Cyber Police Department and investigators of the National Police of Ukraine.

A motion has been prepared for the selection of a preventive measure for the suspect.

The prosecution in court will be represented by Deputy Attorney General Maria Vdovichenko.

The Office of the Attorney General consistently defends the principle of inevitability of responsibility for any manifestations of sexual violence, regardless of the status or position of the perpetrator. The right to dignity and safety is unconditional.

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.