This article is an electronic version of a print piece published in the Jewish Review on December 2, 2024. Y. Michal Bodemann is a German-born Canadian sociologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. Below, we present a verbatim transcript of Professor Bodemann’s statement.
“When I first heard about the arrest of Dr. Oleg Maltsev, I was completely taken aback. I initially assumed it must have been some kind of misunderstanding. However, it soon became evident that this was no mistake—it was a calculated operation orchestrated by corrupt officials within Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies… At my age, I’ve earned the right to call it like I see it.
I’ve known Dr. Maltsev since 2015. We connected immediately through our shared commitment to scientific inquiry and memory studies. He took a deep professional interest in my work on the ‘theater of memory’ (1991), and in turn, I had the opportunity to explore the groundbreaking research being conducted at his ‘Memory Institute.’ We’ve spent many productive hours engaged in theoretical discussion, and I can state unequivocally that Dr. Maltsev is an exceptional scholar. His work merits serious recognition from the international scientific community, not persecution from his own government.
For more than two years now, we have witnessed the Ukrainian people’s valiant struggle for freedom and independence. They have received consistent support from the West. Yet, when I see the authorities repressing a prominent Ukrainian scientist of Jewish origin, it fills me with deep emotion—not anger or contempt, but a sense of helplessness in the face of such hypocrisy and corruption. While Ukrainian soldiers make the ultimate sacrifice fighting against Russian aggression, these officials, hiding behind badges and uniforms, are undermining their own nation’s integrity far from the frontlines.
Let me be perfectly clear—the case against Dr. Oleg Maltsev represents a serious failure of Ukraine’s law enforcement system. I am thoroughly convinced this case is politically motivated, and I firmly believe those responsible will eventually be held accountable.
Through their extraordinary courage, Ukrainians have rightfully earned their place among Western democracies. However, Ukraine must address not only external threats but also confront the internal corruption that allows certain individuals to compromise their country’s principles for personal gain.
To Oleg and his team—hang in there. Keep your chin up. This too shall pass. Justice might move slow, but it always shows up eventually. Remember, even the darkest night breaks into dawn.”
