National military cemetery in Hatne is the subject of a criminal case: what NABU says
12 May 19:28
EXCLUSIVE
Detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) have registered a criminal investigation into the construction of the National Military Memorial Cemetery in the village of Hatne in Fastiv district of Kyiv region. This is the response to an editorial inquiry received by
Earlier, the editorial office sent a request to the NABU to inform about the outcome of the inspection, which was announced in August 2024 during a briefing by NABU Director Semen Kryvonos.
Regarding the construction work at the National Military
memorial Cemetery at the address: Kyiv region, Fastiv district, within the boundaries of the Gatne territorial community”, we inform that on 30.08.2024, detectives of the National Bureau registered a criminal proceeding with a preliminary legal qualification under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine,” the NABU said in a response to the media.
Additional details on the initiated criminal proceedings
Part 2 of Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine provides for abuse of power or official position, i.e. intentional use of power or official position by an official to obtain any unlawful benefit for himself/herself or another individual or legal entity against the interests of the service, if it caused significant damage to the rights, freedoms and interests of individuals protected by law, or to the state or public interests, or to the interests of legal entities, which entailed grave consequences.
Such acts are punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to six years with disqualification to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years, with a fine of five hundred to one thousand tax-free minimum incomes.
Why a scandal broke out around the National Military Memorial Cemetery
The National Military Memorial Cemetery, which is planned to be built in the village of Hatne, Fastiv district, Kyiv region, has become the subject of public discussion and protests by local residents.
What is known about the project
The Government of Ukraine approved the creation of the National Military Memorial Cemetery in Hatne after previous locations in Bykivnia and Lysa Hora in Kyiv were rejected due to environmental and historical concerns. The project envisages the construction of a complex on an area of more than 100 hectares, which will include burial sectors, columbarium walls, a crematorium, a house of mourning, administrative buildings, and recreational areas. A state expert review approved the project, confirming that there were no violations of sanitary and environmental standards.
Protests by local residents
Despite the official approval, residents of the Gatne community and the village of Markhalivka protested against the cemetery construction. They are concerned about possible environmental impacts, including groundwater contamination, as many households use water from wells. There are also concerns about deforestation and the environmental impact of the crematorium.
Government response
Representatives of the government and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs held meetings with the community to try to explain the situation. In particular, it was noted that deforestation would be minimal, and the crematorium would meet modern environmental standards. However, some local residents remained dissatisfied, demanding that the construction be moved to another location.
Next steps
It is planned that the first burials at the National Military Memorial Cemetery will take place by the end of 2025. The government has allocated UAH 515 million for the construction and operation of the cemetery in 2024.
Thus, the implementation of the National Military Memorial Cemetery project in Hatne continues, despite the protests of some local residents. The authorities promise to take into account environmental and social aspects during construction, but dialogue with the community remains important for the successful implementation of the project.
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