An old Jewish cemetery is being demolished in Poltava Oblast: locals file a complaint with the police

The removal of monuments at the Jewish cemetery in Khorol, located in Poltava, was reported by local residents. They observed machinery operating on the premises. This was reported by the Unified Jewish Community of Ukraine on June 23.

The machinery was working within the cemetery grounds and dismantling memorial markers. The Jewish community condemns these actions and, together with local authorities, plans to file a complaint with the police under the law regarding desecration of graves, burial places, or the remains of the deceased. The community also intends to inquire with the municipal council to ascertain whether any permits were granted for these activities.

"Previously, with the permission of the city authorities, the UJCU installed a memorial marker at this cemetery, where gravestones dating back to the early 20th century are preserved," the statement mentioned.

This constitutes a violation of Article 297 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which addresses desecration of graves, burial places, or the remains of the deceased.

The Jewish community of Khorol was established in the 19th century. During the Holocaust, over 400 local Jews were killed by the Nazis. Currently, the cemetery's perimeter measures 280 meters. Part of the cemetery has been damaged, and six tombstones lie nearby. Later, with the approval of the city council, a memorial marker was placed in the cemetery.