Today, the Kyiv-Sviatoshynskyi District Court held another court hearing in the criminal proceedings against the coach, whose actions, according to the investigation, led to the death of a minor child. The updated group of prosecutors in the case was headed by the Deputy Prosecutor General responsible for juvenile affairs, Viktor Logachov, UNN reports with reference to the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office.
In cases involving the death of a child, the state is obliged to ensure a fair trial within a reasonable time. It is for this purpose that I have headed the group of prosecutors and will personally support the prosecution in these proceedings.
During the court hearing, the defense side of the accused filed a motion to postpone the consideration of the case due to the preparation of a motion to recuse the new group of prosecutors. The representatives of the victims objected to such a motion, but the court, having heard the positions of the parties, decided to grant it and announced a recess.
We are once again observing the use of procedural mechanisms not for substantive defense, but for delaying the court proceedings. Such practice is already known in high-profile cases and cannot become the norm in criminal proceedings.
He emphasized that the prosecution insists on maintaining a balance between the right to defense and the right of victims to a fair trial within a reasonable time.
The right to defense is not the right to abuse. When procedural actions are systematically aimed solely at delay, it violates the rights of victims and undermines trust in justice.
The next court hearing is scheduled for February 5, 2026.
Recall
The tragedy occurred on August 3, 2023, while children were at a football camp on the territory of the "Olympic Village" sports and recreation complex. While swimming in the lake, the child was left unattended and died.
According to the investigation, responsibility for organizing the children's stay lay with the coach, who was notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 135 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (leaving in danger, which led to the death of a minor child). The indictment was sent to court.
In addition, within the framework of these criminal proceedings, the director of a private company responsible for compliance with labor protection requirements – the "Benfica" football academy – was previously notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 271 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Since the suspect is abroad, the prosecutor's office is taking measures to declare her internationally wanted.
The court review of this case is under constant control of Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.