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Tatiyana MontyanUkrainian legal scholar, lawyer, publicist, public figure, YouTuber
Date of Birth: 29.08.1972
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- MSU, Moscow
- Legal Career in Ukraine
- Criminal Charges and Suspension
- Civil and Economic Law
- Public Activism and Advocacy
- Protecting Kyiv Heritage
- Legal Commentary and Online Presence
- Political Involvement
- Euromaidan and Eastern Ukraine
- High-Profile Cases
- Vita Zaverukha
- Media Appearances and Controversies
- "Time Will Tell" Altercation
- Personal Life
- Recent Developments
- Recognition of DPR and LNR
- Legacy
Early Life and Education
Hryhoriy Surkis StadiumTatiana Montian was born in the city of Kerch, Crimea, Ukraine, in the late summer of 1972. Her parents were not high-ranking officials, with her father working as a ship mechanic and her mother as a school teacher. In 1984, the family relocated to Kherson, where Montian continued her studies, exceling in English language and engaging in various sports activities while maintaining a positive rapport with her classmates.
MSU, Moscow
After graduating high school, Montian moved to Moscow to pursue her higher education at the prestigious Moscow State University (MSU). She chose to specialize in constitutional law and dedicated herself to the cause of defending human rights. During her time at MSU, she explored diverse legal concepts, including Islamic law and Muammar Gaddafi's "Green Book." For her thesis, she delved into the influence of Islamic norms on various aspects of life in predominantly Muslim societies.
Legal Career in Ukraine
Kyiv Bar AssociationUpon graduating from MSU in 1994, Montian returned to Ukraine, settling in her hometown before moving to the capital city of Kyiv. She joined the Kyiv Bar Association and quickly made a name for herself in her field. In 2001, she took on the high-profile case of activists charged in connection with the "Ukraine without Kuchma" demonstrations. Her defense strategy highlighted inconsistencies and errors in law enforcement actions, gaining public attention.
Criminal Charges and Suspension
In the aftermath of the protests, Montian herself faced charges of resisting police officers. She allegedly struck a guard who intercepted a note she was passing to defendants in custody. As a result, Montian was suspended from practicing law in Ukraine due to the ongoing criminal case against her. However, in 2005, the case was dismissed due to the statute of limitations expiring.
Civil and Economic Law
During the period of her suspension from criminal defense, Montian shifted her focus to civil and economic law. She actively engaged in the creation of a homeowners' association for her residence, advocating for reduced housing fees and transparency in building operations.
Public Activism and Advocacy
"Pora!" CampaignMontian actively participated in the establishment and legal support of the "Pora!" campaign. In the 2004 Ukrainian presidential elections, she monitored polling stations alongside other lawyers in the Nikolaev region, aiming to safeguard against vote-rigging attempts.
Protecting Kyiv Heritage
In 2007, Montian joined the civic movement "Save Old Kyiv," striving to prevent the construction of residential buildings on the site of the Oktyabrskaya Hospital.
Legal Commentary and Online Presence
Montian translated the book "The Mystery of Capital" by Hernando de Soto and published articles on Ukrainian laws and their practical application in the collective blog "Infoporn." She also established the "School of the Young Squid" community on Facebook, discussing institutional economics, and launched a YouTube channel to share her perspectives on current events.
Political Involvement
Parliamentary and Mayoral ElectionsMontain ran for a seat in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) in 2012 and 2014. She also contested the 2015 Kyiv mayoral election.
Euromaidan and Eastern Ukraine
Montian opposed the violent overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovych during the Euromaidan protests, but also criticized his policies. She visited the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in 2014, documenting her observations on her personal Facebook page.
High-Profile Cases
Ruslan KotsabaOne of Montian's most significant cases was the successful defense of journalist Ruslan Kotsaba, resulting in his acquittal and release from custody.
Vita Zaverukha
Montian also represented Vita Zaverukha, who later dismissed her services.
Media Appearances and Controversies
Talk Shows and DebatesMontian has been an outspoken guest on various talk shows and debates, commenting on political and social issues. She has engaged in discussions with figures such as Igor Kolomoisky and Elena Boyko. Following the 2019 presidential election, she produced videos criticizing Volodymyr Zelenskyy's policies.
"Time Will Tell" Altercation
In an episode of the Russian television show "Time Will Tell," Montian became involved in a physical altercation. After a jest by Polish political scientist Jakub Korejba, she confronted him with a slap to the face. Montian justified her actions as a display of "brotherly relations."
Personal Life
Marriage and FamilyMontian married Yuriy Vasylyuk, an experienced judge, shortly after meeting him at the Kyiv Bar Association. They had four sons: twins Bohdan and Yaroslav, Vadim, and Vlad. Her older sons achieved success in boxing and karate, while her middle son pursued a passion for foreign languages.
Recent Developments
UN Security Council SessionIn February 2022, Montian was invited as a Ukrainian civil activist to attend a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in eastern Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
Recognition of DPR and LNR
Following the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics by Russia in 2022 and the subsequent Russian military operation in the region, Montian expressed her belief that such an outcome was inevitable.
Legacy
Tatiana Montian remains an active legal and public figure, using her platform to advocate for human rights and challenge prevailing political narratives. Her journey from a young law graduate to a prominent public intellectual has been marked by her sharp wit, unwavering determination, and willingness to confront injustice.
