For the first time, we reveal the "technology" of carrying out the death penalty at the Lukyanivka Pre-Trial Detention Center
In Ukraine, from time to time, citizens propose to reinstate the death penalty for state traitors and for those who direct enemy missiles at peaceful cities. However, such legislative changes are not feasible.
Our country officially ceased the application of "shooting" articles in the Criminal Code in 1997. Prior to this, at least 1166 death sentences were handed down in an independent state. In total, nearly 600 convicts were executed. In 1999, the Constitutional Court definitively closed the door on the restoration of the highest punishment, declaring it contrary to the Constitution.
Since this topic periodically arises in the public sphere, I received a call from a stranger who claimed to have "read a lot of fabrications" regarding the execution of "death" sentences and wanted to share some truths. We met… The man introduced himself as Mykola Ivanovych. Based on the details he provided and the circumstances, it can be assumed that he was once among a very select group of individuals present during the executions. Perhaps he was a prosecutor's employee, or even the executor himself. Such specifics could only be known by someone very well-informed. However, he never revealed who he truly was.
Before 1991, there were several cities in Ukraine where the highest punishment – execution by firing squad – was carried out: Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zhytomyr, Lviv, Luhansk, and Kyiv, Mykola Ivanovych recounts.
And who played the role of the arbiter of justice in the Kyiv detention center?
He was appointed from among the isolation facility's staff, typically holding an officer rank. He had two assistants from the controller service – physically strong men, well-trained. Usually, they performed traditional duties, but when it was time for special work, they took on those tasks.
How did everything start on the day, let's say, "X"?
A commission of four individuals began its meeting in the detention center. It was headed by a representative from the prosecutor's office. The commission included someone from the detention center's management, a medical professional, and a staff member from the Ministry of Internal Affairs' information center. They gathered in a separate room in a semi-basement. They examined the convict's personal file: checking for a sentence (death penalty), whether there was a presidential decree for clemency, and a court order for the execution of this punishment. An accompanying document from the head of the Internal Affairs Department also had to be added, indicating that materials regarding this convict were sent for the execution of the sentence. After reviewing all this, they would give the command to bring the convict. The executor's assistants would go to the detention center building and escort him out. It’s also worth mentioning how the commission members enter the detention center. They do so in a way that no one sees them.
So, it was completely secretive?
Yes. The day before, the prosecutor would receive a call from the detention center – saying there was a case. And that was all – no further details. That was the arrangement. The next day, at a designated location and time, a minibus with tinted windows would stop a certain distance from the prosecutor's office. The vehicle arrived to pick up the prosecutor's employee. On the way, they would "pick up" an MIA employee and enter the detention center's territory through the checkpoint. The guards did not inspect this vehicle. It would stop near the building of the detention center, and the commission members would proceed to the meeting room.
Why such secrecy?
To avoid raising suspicions. By the way, they would leave in the same manner. After the execution, the coffin with the deceased would be placed in the same minibus. The executor with two assistants, a prosecutor's representative, and an MIA information center employee would also get in. The vehicle would leave the detention center's territory. At a certain point, it would stop, the prosecutor and the information center employee would exit, and the minibus would head towards the crematorium.
What was the role of the MIA information center employee?
He would "de-register" the convict. He would remove them from the records as a resident of this country.
Were there specific days designated for executions?
No. The head of the detention center, upon receiving the convict's file, would determine when exactly to carry out the sentence. If all necessary documents were present, they would try to do it as soon as possible.
Did the convicts suspect where they were being taken from their cells?
It seemed they sensed where they were going. And that this was their final exit… Therefore, they manifested their emotions in various ways. Some tried to escape, while others fell to their knees before the commission, crying, begging for forgiveness, and asking for a chance to become honest people. It was disgusting to watch them.
Were the executor's assistants armed?
No. But escaping from them was entirely unrealistic. They would bring the convict to a semi-basement where the prosecutor would interrogate him. He would ask for their surname, where they were born, where they lived, and other details. In other words, he would ensure that the person in front of him was indeed the convict for whom the "death" sentence had been issued. Other commission members rarely asked questions. The medical professional usually had no questions.
What happened after the interrogation?
The convict would be ordered to enter another room, supposedly to meet another commission with high-ranking officials. They would listen and might replace the death penalty with imprisonment. Of course, there was no "other" commission. The doors would close, a shot would be heard. Then two more – control shots. This was the executor at work. After this, the executor, his two assistants would leave the room, and the body would be left there… To "rest," so to speak. A medical professional would enter, confirming the death. The handcuffs would be removed. This would be documented in two records: the first stating that the highest punishment was being executed, sanctioned by the prosecutor, and the second noting that the sentence had been carried out. After that, they would set the table and have a drink.
Even so?
Funds were allocated for such needs – they would buy food and vodka. They did not drink cognac. This was necessary not to get drunk, but to relieve stress. It was planned.
What did they say when raising their glasses? Did they drink in silence?
The first glass – in silence. For the repose of the deceased. Before the second, they might say something – on various neutral topics.
Did everyone sit at the same commission table?
Yes.
Were the sounds of gunfire heard in the detention center?
No. Because they shot with a small-caliber rifle from close range, almost point-blank.
Strange choice of weapon. There are pistols.
The choice of weapon was up to the executor.
Where was the shooter located when the convict was brought into the room?
Behind the door. He would approach from behind and pull the trigger. The executors held the convict by the arms at their sides.
What if the criminal fell to his knees before the execution?
They would still lift him up. They did not shoot at someone lying down.
Did "misfires" ever occur?
I don’t remember such cases.
Did they shoot in the head?
In the nape of the neck.
Where did the executor keep the weapon and ammunition?
In a metal safe. In the same basement, the keys to which were only with the executor and his assistants. There were several locks.
Were executions carried out with the same rifle every time?
Yes.
What requirements did the executor have to meet?
He needed to have a steady hand, so it wouldn’t tremble. Accidental shots could not be allowed. And his composure had to be ironclad. To ensure his nerves were in order. A candidate for executioner was studied over a certain period. They selected a person with a strong character, a decent individual.
Could the head of the detention center be the executor?
No.
Could such a person have any emotional struggles after pulling the trigger so many times?