PACE Concerned Over Role of Khoroshkovskyi and the Situation Surrounding the Ukrainain Catholic University

KYIV – In an information note on their fact-finding visit to Kyiv (1-4 June 2010), declassified by the Monitoring Committee on June 22, the co-rapporteurs Renate Wohlwend (Liechtenstein, EPP/CD) and Mailis Reps (Estonia, ALDE) express their concern over the reports of restriction of the freedom of speech in Ukraine.

"We are concerned about the increasing numbers of allegations that the authorities are reducing these freedoms and that democracy is receding in the country. The allegations have mostly centred on the freedom of the media, freedom of assembly, and increased pressure from the law enforcement agencies for political purposes,” states the reports, as quoted by ZAXID.

According to the report, "the role of the State Security Service, and especially its head, Mr. Khoroshkovskyi, is of concern...

"A number of NGOs have complained to us that protest actions had been broken up, and their activists harassed by the police and other state law enforcement agencies, which, if corroborated, would be of concern...

“A clear and unwavering respect for democratic freedoms and rights has been one of the main achievements in Ukraine's democratic development in recent years. We are therefore concerned about the increasing number of allegations that democratic freedoms, such as freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the media have come under pressure in recent months. Any regression in the respect for and protection of these rights would be unacceptable for the assembly....," further says the report.

The reps of PACE remind of the recent statement of the rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University as to the request of an official of the Security Service of Ukraine to receive information about political activity of students.