Ombudsman's Office: People with Mental Disorders and Disabilities Held Illegally in Ternopil Military Recruitment Center
Following an inspection by the Ombudsman's office, five people who were not subject to mobilization were released from the Ternopil Territorial Recruitment Center, including individuals with mental disorders and disabilities.
An inspection by Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets' office at the Ternopil regional and city territorial recruitment centers (TCC) has revealed serious violations. During the visit, the center held approximately 28 mobilized individuals, 17 of whom submitted written complaints about potential rights violations.
A particularly alarming fact: the guard overseeing the mobilized was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level nearly seven times the legal limit. In one-on-one conversations, the mobilized individuals reported violations during the mobilization process, improper documentation, and non-compliance with medical board requirements.
Thanks to the Ombudsman's intervention, five people who were not subject to mobilization were immediately released: a man with a lifelong Group II disability since childhood, two people with mental disorders (diagnoses not disclosed for ethical reasons), and two men who were about six months away from reaching the age of 60.
Lubinets stated that this situation demonstrates an urgent need for mobilization reform, which was needed yesterday. The findings have been documented and reported to the leadership. The Ombudsman has officially prepared a response to eliminate the violations and prevent similar cases in the future.
