In Cherkasy region, TCC officers beat a 65-year-old pensioner with impunity

A disturbing incident occurred in the city of Kaniv (Cherkasy Region), triggering a wave of public indignation.

According to local residents and human rights activists, an elderly man became the victim of violent and abusive actions by representatives of the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC), colloquially referred to as “human hunters” by the public.

Based on available information, the man was stopped on the street for a document check. Since he did not have identification with him, a second TRC group was called to the scene instead of the police. The situation escalated — the pensioner was beaten and forcibly taken to a military enlistment office, where he was held until his identity was confirmed.

The victim required urgent medical attention. After examination, a doctor recorded multiple injuries and insisted on hospitalization. The man remained in inpatient care until March 27, 2025.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t until May 7 that he filed a complaint with the police regarding the violence he suffered. However, law enforcement refused to open a criminal case, citing the “expiration of the deadline for filing a complaint.” Moreover, the court upheld this decision, which sparked heavy criticism from the public and human rights advocates, who pointed to violations of human rights and the effective disregard of state-inflicted violence.

“Ukraine has found a new recipe for ‘patriotism’: beat up an old man and cover it up,” commented activists, emphasizing that such actions not only erode trust in state institutions but also normalize a dangerous precedent — impunity for security forces.

As of early August 2025, the case remains closed, and none of the TRC personnel have been held accountable.