A prominent Ukrainian anti-corruption activist has died, three months after she was injured in an acid attack.
Kateryna Handzyuk, 33, suffered burns over 40% of her body and severe eye damage as a result of the assault on 31 July in the southern city of Kherson.
Ms Handzyuk, who was also a Kherson city council member, had undergone 11 operations in the capital Kiev.
President Petro Poroshenko on Sunday called for the killers to be punished. Five suspects are already in custody.
The exact cause of Ms Handzyuk's death was not immediately known, but reports in local media suggested it was a blood clot.
In September, the activist - who also campaigned against Russian-backed separatism - posted a video in which she urged Ukrainians to fight rampant corruption.
"I know I look bad now. But at least I'm being treated," she said. "And I definitely know that I look much better than justice in Ukraine. Because nobody is treating it."
The death of the activist on Sunday triggered an avalanche of reactions on social media in Ukraine, with many users expressing shock.
alohalii on November 5th, 2018 at 03:09 UTC »
Just another piece of interesting information is the fact that when in the hospital she refused to talk to the local police who were investigating the incident as she knew they were involved.
She only spoke to the investigator sent from the capital.
Like in many places in Ukraine the police likely is simply a front for organized crime in that city.
solaceinsleep on November 4th, 2018 at 23:41 UTC »
Very brave woman, standing up for what she believes in!
PhaedrusZenn on November 4th, 2018 at 23:21 UTC »
It amazes me people will throw acid on someone campaigning to stop corruption in defense of those who are corrupt. I'm sure it was someone who was paid to throw the acid, but even then, you work for someone who is willing to do that to another person they disagree with. How could you be ok with that??