Thousands Mourn Slain Ukrainian Language Advocate Iryna Farion

Several thousand mourners attended the funeral in Lviv for former lawmaker Iryna Farion, a prominent advocate for the Ukrainian language, who was assassinated. Farion, aged 60, was fatally shot near her home. Authorities are treating the attack as an assassination and a manhunt is underway to find the perpetrator.

Several thousand mourners attended the funeral Monday in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for former lawmaker Iryna Farion, known for her campaigns to promote the Ukrainian language, who was fatally shot in the street by an unknown assailant.

Farion, 60, was shot on Friday and later died from her wounds in a hospital. A manhunt is currently underway for her attacker, who fled the scene. Ukrainian officials are treating the attack as an assassination and an investigation is ongoing.

Her daughter, Sofia Semchyshyn, commented on the tragic event: “Killed, they killed her near her house during the day, on a sunny day.” Farion served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament between 2012 and 2014, and was best known for her fervent promotion of the Ukrainian language, often urging Ukrainian officials not to speak Russian. She controversially criticized Russian-speaking members of Ukraine's Azov regiment who defended Mariupol during the early days of Russia's invasion.

Lviv resident Olha Arden, 64, praised Farion, stating, “For me, she is a patriot, a nationalist and she is our fighter for the Ukrainian language, the strongest fighter. For 32 years she fought for the Ukrainian language. We respect and honor her. We will remember her after death.”