Former vocational school director sentenced in Kherson

The director of a vocational school in Kherson that was seized by the Russians was convicted of collaboration. The court found her guilty of implementing Russian educational standards but acquitted her of the charge of aiding an aggressor state.

The verdict was handed down by the Kherson City Court. The woman was sentenced to three years in prison and barred for 10 years from holding positions in state or local government bodies, as well as from engaging in educational activities.

As established by the court, the woman voluntarily agreed to become the director of the so-called Kherson Vocational School No. 2, which the occupying administration established on the basis of the Ukrainian Higher Vocational School No. 2. In this position, she organized the school’s operations in accordance with the requirements of the Russian education system.

In particular, documentation began to be kept in Russian, Russian textbooks were brought to the school, and teachers were instructed to teach according to Russian curricula.

She was also responsible for hiring staff and paying their salaries in Russian rubles. At the start of the school year, the Russian flag was raised at the school and the Russian national anthem was played.

The court examined the testimony of former college employees, documents, and other evidence. Some witnesses stated that after the new director was appointed, employees were asked to cooperate with the occupying authorities. Those who refused were asked to leave the meeting.

At the same time, the court found insufficient evidence to convict the woman of aiding an aggressor state. In particular, the investigation failed to prove that she personally registered the occupied educational institution in the Russian registry. She was acquitted of this charge. However, the court found her guilty of implementing Russian educational standards.

The case was heard in the absence of the defendant, who did not appear at the court hearings.

Ірина Глухова