Dmitriy Groisman Well-known Ukrainian human rights activist, coordinator of a human rights group in Vinnitsa Date of Birth: 15.05.1972 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Dmitry Groysman

Dmitry Groysman, a well-known Ukrainian human rights activist, was born in Vinnitsa. In 1995, he graduated with honors from Vinnitsa National Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov, specializing in forensic pathology. He later obtained a qualification in law from the Ukrainian Academy of Advocacy in 2008.

Groysman played a pivotal role in establishing the representation of an international human rights organization in Vinnitsa in 1993. From 1995 to 2000, he served as the coordinator of the Amnesty International campaign for the abolition of the death penalty in Ukraine. In 2001, Groysman became the coordinator of the Vinnitsa Human Rights Group.

Throughout his career, Groysman focused on various areas of human rights, including patients' rights, protecting victims of abuse and torture, and providing assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in Ukraine. He provided significant legal support to many individuals who had fled Russia due to their political beliefs, facilitating the granting of political asylum to individuals such as Olga Kudrina and other members of the National Bolshevik Party, which was banned in Russia.

As a human rights defender, Groysman gained prominence through his exposés of corrupt Ukrainian police officers, prosecutors, and judges. He frequently appeared on Radio Svoboda to discuss human rights issues and advocate for justice.

Tragically, Groysman passed away on the eve of a court hearing on August 7th, following a rescheduling due to the prosecutor's absence. It is known that a criminal case had been initiated against him more than two years ago. He was accused of committing a crime under Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to "insulting the state symbols of Ukraine." This offense carries a penalty of a fine or imprisonment for up to three years. Additionally, Groysman was charged with a crime under Article 301 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which relates to the "distribution of pornographic materials." This accusation stemmed from a hyperlink he shared on his LiveJournal page, linking to a video about public figures and Russian politicians. Punishment for this offense also carries a penalty of a fine or imprisonment for up to three years.

Groysman had previously stated that the true motive behind his prosecution was the desire of the Security Service and the police to gain access to the materials of the Vinnitsa Human Rights Group. He passed away from a chronic heart condition, which had been congenital and severe. Friends of the human rights activist reported that he was in good spirits on the eve of the trial and was optimistic as he finalized his closing statement regarding the falsified criminal case against him.

In light of Groysman's death, a request will be made to close the case. However, supporters of Groysman assert that his defense attorney intends to prove his innocence, and it is possible that the case may still proceed to its conclusion. The trial process was nearing its end, with the debate phase completed, and Groysman's final statement would have been delivered at the final hearing, after which the judge would have pronounced the verdict.