Odesa court sentences Russian supporter to psychiatric treatment instead of prison

The Primorskyi Court of Odesa sentenced a woman who tried to hang a Russian flag on European Square in Odesa on October 7, 2024, to compulsory treatment in a psychiatric hospital.

According to the court's ruling, the prosecutor requested such a punishment and was supported by the woman's lawyer.

On the evening of October 7, 2024, a resident of Odesa tried to hang an enemy tricolor near the place where a monument to Russian Empress Catherine II used to stand. She was prevented by passers-by. The police were able to identify the woman, and she was taken to the local police station to provide a legal assessment of her actions.

When the police identified the suspect, they received a certificate from the hospital stating that in April-May 2023, Olena had been treated there with a diagnosis of mania without psychotic symptoms. An outpatient forensic psychiatric examination was conducted in the case, which confirmed that the woman was not aware of her actions, according to the Court Reporter.

The publication's journalists attended the hearing and provided details. For example, during the break, the woman took out a toy radio.

"Mommy wants peace for the children. Wolverine, Wolverine, the department for the fight against Nazism. Kevin Kosner, Kevin Kosner, wait for me at the intersection. Mommy is very sad," she said into the radio.

Persons who do not pose a significant danger to society are admitted to psychiatric hospitals with regular supervision. With a doctor's permission, such patients can leave the facility and even work outside the hospital.

At least once every six months, the patients are checked by a commission of psychiatrists. In case of recovery, the doctor applies to the court with a petition to stop the person's compulsory treatment.

Olena, 43, is a native of the city of Perm, Russian Federation, but has Ukrainian citizenship. In 2024, she worked as a janitor in a gated community in Odesa. But she had been on the radar of the local police for years. She had been issued administrative reports for disorderly conduct and drinking alcohol in public places.

Кирило Бойко