A Suspect in the Murder of Activist Demyan Hanul Detained in Odesa: What We Know About Him.

A Suspect in the Murder of a Public Figure Detained in Odesa

On March 14 in Odesa, law enforcement officers detained a suspect in the murder of Demyan Hanul, a public figure. During a search of the suspect's apartment, a weapon was found that was likely used in the crime.

Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko thanked everyone who helped in detaining the suspect. Earlier, Klymenko had been actively interested in the investigation into this murder.

According to preliminary investigation data, the suspect ordered a taxi to the crime scene at a certain time, indicating prior planning.

It should be noted that the murder took place in the Prymorskyi district of Odesa at around 10:30 in the morning. The police classified this act as a premeditated contract killing. For the investigation of this crime, a task force and forensic experts from the Central Apparatus of the National Police led by the head of the National Police, Ivan Vihivskyi, were sent to Odesa.

Law enforcement officials denied information that the killer was dressed in military uniform, which had been circulated on some Telegram channels.

Demyan Vadymovych Hanul was a well-known Ukrainian public figure, volunteer, blogger, animal rights defender, and eco-activist. He founded and headed the NGO 'Street Front' and participated in the Revolution of Dignity and the confrontation in Odesa on May 2 against pro-Russian forces. Hanul also headed the 'Right Sector' security block in Odesa from 2014 to 2016.