In a landmark trial, Denis Kulikovsky, widely known as «Palych», received his verdict on January 3. «Palych» faced charges related to the brutal torture of pro-Ukrainian prisoners held in the Russian-established torture chamber located in Donetsk, a facility that was once the site of the art space named «Isolation» before the Russian occupation in 2014.
In the new episode of the program «Free our relatives» we spoke about the case of Denis Kulikovsky with Oleg Gorbachev, a lawyer who represents Stanislav Aseyev — Ukrainian writer, journalist, human rights activist, and one of the victims of «Palych».
The trial has witnessed testimonies from over 20 individuals released from captivity. Each account describes the horrifying orders issued by Kulikovsky during his tenure as the head of «Isolation». The victims recount the unspeakable acts of violence and inhumanity they endured under «Palych’s» command within the secret confines of the prison.
Before the verdict was announced, Oleg Gorbachev shed light on the trial’s significance.
«In terms of the criminal process, we are in the final stage of the trial in the first instance. On January 3, the court will announce Kulikovsky’s final verdict, marking the end of the trial in the first instance», — stated Gorbachev.
The prosecution seeked a 15-year prison sentence for «Palych», marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
Gorbachev revealed how Kulikovsky fell into the hands of Ukrainian law enforcement after being on the run for two years.
«Thanks to Stanislav Aseyev, we received information that Kulikovsky had been in Kyiv for two years. A very large-scale and lengthy investigation followed, leading to his detention and delivery to justice».
Witnesses, including Aseyev and others, provided chilling accounts of Kulikovsky’s personal involvement in orchestrating acts of torture and violence. The victims’ testimonies collectively depict «Palych» as the mastermind behind the heinous crimes committed at «Isolation» between 2014 and 2019.
«While intoxicated, Kulikovsky personally gave instructions to beat, torture, and starve to death», — said Gorbachev.
Despite holding a Ukrainian passport, Kulikov betrayed his country and actively participated in the torture of fellow citizens. Gorbachev emphasizes the need to document these crimes, bring perpetrators to justice, and set a precedent for the accountability of individuals involved in such atrocities.
«As a Ukrainian citizen, Kulikovsky’s actions during the full-scale invasion become a very unfortunate fact», states Gorbachev. «It is terrible that our people resort to such actions. But we still need to document these crimes, bring such people to justice, set a precedent for others that this is not forever, and sooner or later, Ukrainian justice will prevail».
The verdict on January 3 holds the promise of closure for the victims and a step towards accountability for «Palych» and others involved in the heinous acts at «Isolation».
The mystery surrounding Denis Kulikovsky’s presence on Ukrainian territory raises questions about potential contacts with intelligence agencies. Oleg Gorbachev shed some light on the matter.
«According to him (Kulikovsky – ed.), he allegedly had some contacts with representatives of Ukraine in the intelligence agencies, and after completing his «career» in «Isolation», he spent two years in Kyiv».
The revelation underscores the importance of public awareness, as it was through Stanislav Aseyev’s discovery and subsequent outcry that Kulikovsky’s presence in Kyiv came to light.
In spite of the legal proceedings against «Palych», concerns arise regarding the possibility of exchange. Oleg Gorbachev points out that Kulikovsky is wanted both in the occupied part of Ukraine and in the Russian Federation, making any exchange unlikely. Kulikovsky has remained tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment on the possibility of an exchange and steadfastly denying all charges brought against him.
The two-year duration of the investigation into Kulikovsky’s case prompts questions about its adequacy. Gorbachev defended the timeline. He emphasized that the court’s commitment to regular hearings and the absence of prolonged delays contributed to the expeditious handling of the case.
«There are a lot of volumes in the case, but it is worth noting that court hearings were scheduled very often».
The gravity of Kulikovsky’s crimes raises the question of how many Ukrainians endured torture and ill-treatment under his leadership. Gorbachev clarifies that the indictment specifically listed 22 victims whose testimony supports the criminal proceedings. He emphasizes that the announcement of the verdict is not the final stage, as all participants have the right to appeal. The potential for new evidence and the discovery of additional victims could further shape the legal proceedings.
Gorbachev expressed the intention to provide the testimonies to international bodies and the International Criminal Court, linking Kulikovsky’s actions to the Russian leadership. The aim is to subject those responsible to international criminal justice, highlighting the violation of international humanitarian law. Gorbachev envisions the «Isolation» torture chamber case being included in the broader context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for effective cooperation, identification of individuals, and bringing them to justice within Ukrainian jurisdiction.
«The story of the «Isolation» torture chamber will be included in the big case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine», — asserted Gorbachev.
He pointed to decisions by the European Court of Human Rights confirming Russia’s effective control over the occupied territories since 2014, making it imperative to address the crimes committed before and after the full-scale invasion. Therefore, the unfolding narrative surrounding Denis Kulikovsky underscores the pursuit of justice, not only on a national level but also within the broader scope of international humanitarian law.
In times of war, the program «Free our relatives» tells the stories of people, cities, villages, and entire regions that have been captured by Russian invaders. We discuss the war crimes committed by the Kremlin and its troops against the Ukrainian people.
The program is hosted by Igor Kotelianets and Anastasia Bagalika.
The coverage of war crimes resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the framework of the Human Rights in Action Program implemented by Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union.
Opinions, conclusions and recommendations presented in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States Government. The contents are the responsibility of the authors.