12 August 2025
(Photo: Suspilne)
An Odesa court has extended the preventive measure for 46-year-old Serhiy Shalaev, who is suspected of murdering Odesa activist Demian Hanul.
This was reported by the Suspilne media outlet, citing Eduard Pleshko, a spokesman for the specialized defense prosecutor's office in the southern region.
The court hearing took place on August 11 in the Kyiv District Court of Odesa. The measure of restraint, namely detention, was due to expire on August 14. The court extended his detention for 30 days - until September 14.
Currently, Serhiy Shalaev is in a pre-trial detention center without the right to be released on bail. He is suspected of premeditated murder committed for hire and illegal handling of weapons.
Demian Hanul, who was 31 years old, was a well-known public figure, blogger and leader of the Street Front organization. In 2014-2016, he was the head of the Right Sector's power unit in Odesa. Hanul took an active part in the Revolution of Dignity and the clashes of May 2, 2014, opposing pro-Russian forces.
On May 9, a court in Odesa extended the arrest for two months for Serhiy Shalaev, who is accused of murdering activist Demian Hanul.
The murder of the Odesa activist took place on March 14 in the Prymorskyi district of Odesa. The man who shot Demian Hanul fled the scene. Within hours, police detained the suspect, 46-year-old Serhiy Shalaev, a former senior lieutenant. In the apartment where he was hiding, they found a weapon that was probably the instrument of the crime. The police opened a criminal investigation into the murder of the public figure. The incident was classified as a premeditated murder committed to order.
Investigators are considering three main versions of the crime: a contract killing organized by Russian special services, liquidation due to the activist's public activities, and personal animosity. However, the latter version, according to law enforcement officials, is unlikely, as the killer and the victim did not even know each other. The National Police is working on the investigation together with the SBU.
Earlier, the wife of Odesa activist Demian Hanul, Zhanna Voznyuk, commented on the murder of her husband and told what she said to him for the last time.
On March 19, activist Demian Hanul was laid to rest in Odesa. An international photojournalist was present at the funeral ceremony.
Before that, Ganul had already reported that people posing as military officers tried to kill him.
Кирило Бойко
Aug. 17, 2026
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