Vyacheslav Zinchenko in the courtroom, 13 November 2024: Iryna Mochulska/Souspilne Lviv
The National Police of Ukraine has completed the investigation into the murder of public figure Iryna Farion. The qualification of the crime was changed for the suspect, Vyacheslav Zinchenko, which significantly increases the punishment. He is now charged with premeditated murder on the grounds of national intolerance, as well as illegal handling of weapons, the National Police press service reportedon Thursday, 26 December.
Key details of the case
- Motives of the crime: The investigation established that in 2022, an 18-year-old resident of Dnipro joined online groups promoting a cult of violence, national and religious discrimination. In 2024, he also joined groups associated with Russian neo-Nazis.
- In these environments, the suspect developed a personal dislike for Farion because of her active public position and defence of the Ukrainian language. In his opinion, her activities “split the national unity”, which became a motive for planning the crime.
Preparation for the offence
- Zinchenko was carefully preparing: he collected information about Farion’s place of residence, followed her and developed a detailed plan for her murder.
- He bought a firearm, which he used in the attack.
Chronology of events
- 19 July 2024: An attacker ambushed Iryna Farion near her home in Lviv and shot her in the head. The public figure died in hospital as a result of the injury.
- 25 July: Police detained a suspect.
Classification of the offence and threat of punishment
On 25 December 2024, the indictment was sent to court under the articles:
- Article 115 of the CCU: Premeditated murder for reasons of national intolerance in connection with the performance of a public duty.
- Article 263 of the Criminal Code: Illegal handling of weapons.
Zinchenko faces life imprisonment.
