Gongadze’s mother against giving her son’s name to streets, installing monuments

July30200819:28

Lesya Gongadze, the mother of investigative journalist Georgy Gongadze killed by the Kuchma regime, is strongly opposed to installing a monument to her son in Kyiv, The Ukrayinska Pravda reports. “I am categorically against naming streets after my son and installing monuments as long as the investigation into his murder has not been completed,” Lesya Gongadze said.

“Moreover, the authorities in Kyiv have no right to build such monument without my consent because I am his mother,” she added.

She reminded that she had earlier protested in writing to the president and Kyiv mayor, warning she would take them to court if monuments are built without her consent.

“I do not know where my son is. I will appeal to the European Court against Ukraine [for failing to complete the investigation]. I will appeal to all the world institutions because my rights as mother, individual and citizen have been infringed,” Lesya Gongadze said.

The Kyiv state administration took a decision to complete and install the monument to G. Gongadze and other journalists murdered in the line of duty by Aug 22. The monument is to be installed on 115, Chervonoarmijska St.