KIEV, July 15 (RAPSI) – Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said he had fired 585 police officers in Donetsk after reviewing their loyalty.

Another 242 police officers, who are currently on an extended leave, will be reviewed later. Avakov added that five special working groups would use lie detectors during the second stage of the review.

Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk ordered law enforcement agencies and the Interior Ministry to review all MPs, parties and public associations for the alleged support of pro-independence fighters in southeastern Ukraine.

Zoryan Shkiryak, an adviser to the Interior Minister, said the ministry and SBU, the Ukrainian security service, were reviewing the conduct of officials in the occupied cities in eastern Ukraine for collaboration with anti-government fighters. Those found guilty could be imprisoned.

The military operation in eastern Ukraine against local residents who refused to recognize the February coup started in mid-April and has claimed hundreds of lives and forced thousands to flee their homes. Russia has repeatedly condemned Kiev’s actions and urged an end to the punitive operation.