Government passes ‘Iryna Law’ to honour Ukrainian refugee who was brutally killed on train

North Carolina has passed a new criminal justice reform called ‘Iryna’s Law’, named after Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was tragically killed on a light rail train in Charlotte.

Iryna Zarutska was a refugee who fled the war in Ukraine to start a new life in America. On 22 August, while commuting home from work in Charlotte, she was stabbed to death. Police charged DeCarlos Brown Jr., who reportedly suffered from mental health issues and had been involuntarily committed in the past, with first-degree murder. Authorities said he had been released on cashless bail despite several prior arrests.

Iryna’s killing shocked the community and reignited calls to toughen laws against violent offenders. Many residents and politicians argued that the tragedy could have been prevented.

Authorities introduced House Bill 307 after Iryna’s death sparked national outrage and debate over violent crime, mental health, and bail reform. The North Carolina Legislature, where Republicans hold a majority, overwhelmingly approved the bill. Democratic Governor Josh Stein signed it into law on Friday, October 3.

So, what does the law do?

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A post shared by Iryna Zarutska (@lucaveros225)

WTVD reported, Iryna’s Law tightens bail conditions for people accused of violent crimes. It limits judges’ authority over pretrial release and requires more defendants to undergo mental health evaluations, especially if they were involuntarily committed within the past three years.

The law also includes an amendment that allows North Carolina to resume capital punishment, which includes execution by firing squad. That’s a method the state hasn’t used in decades. Lethal injection remains the only authorised method for now, but that could change if the new provision takes effect.

Governor Josh Stein said the goal is to prevent dangerous offenders from being released again. “House Bill 307, or ‘Iryna’s Law,’ alerts the judiciary to take a special look at people who may pose unusual risks of violence before determining their bail,” he said in a video statement.

Stein also made it clear that no firing squads will take place in North Carolina while he’s governor. His term ends in January 2029.

Republicans strongly backed the bill, saying the justice system must act tougher and faster. Democrats supported the bail reform measures but questioned the return of firing squads as an execution method.

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A post shared by ulya (@icee.keen)

Iryna’s family and boyfriend expressed grief and shared tributes about her life. Iryna’s boyfriend, Stas Nikulytsia, recently shared a video showing Iryna’s joyful life in America before her death, laughing, cooking, and spending time with friends. Her family described her as “kind, creative, and full of life.” They chose to bury her in the United States. They said that she loved her new home and would have wanted to rest there.

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