Amnesty International human rights organization called the hideous murder of lawyer Yuriy Hrabovsky, whose body was found in central Ukraine bearing gunshot wounds, is a "chilling reminder of the dangers faced by lawyers and activists perceived to challenge the authorities."

"The killing of a criminal defence lawyer is a hideous crime and the Ukrainian authorities must immediately take all steps necessary to begin to rectify this ultimate abuse of human rights and justice," the organization quotes Anna Neistat, Senior Director for Research at Amnesty International.

She said that lawyer's abduction and murder should be promptly, effectively and impartially investigated, and those responsible brought to justice in fair trial proceedings.

According to the Amnesty International, Hrabovsky had complained that he was harassed by the authorities in connection with his role as the defence lawyer for a Russian serviceman Alexander Alexandrov.

The Amnesty International called on the authorities to immediately provide Oksana Sokolovska, who defends interests of another Russian officer Yevgeny Yerofeyev, with effective protection and to ensure that she can safely carry out her legitimate work as a lawyer.

"All lawyers must be able to perform their professional duties without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference in their work," said Anna Neistat.

The Ukrainian authorities had opened a criminal investigation into Hrabovsky's disappearance, and reported that they had arrested two suspects they believe were involved in his abduction and killing.