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Электронное приложение к журналу «Международная жизнь»
Author : K. Dolgov
Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law
UNFORTUNATELY, it has to be said that the problem
of impunity remains highly relevant in Ukraine. Having
come to power in an unconstitutional manner, Ukraine's
ruling regime is seeking to ensure its further survival
largely by illegal methods. As a result, the humanitarian
and human rights situation in Ukraine remains serious.
The situation related to ensuring the freedom of expres-
sion and media activity is deteriorating. In our estimate,
in 2014-2015, there were at least 160 recorded instances
of gross violations of the right to the freedom of ex-
pression and media activity committed by the Ukrainian authorities.
Having come to power in an unconstitutional manner, Ukraine's ruling regime is seeking to en-
sure its further survival largely by illegal methods.
Kiev and a whole number of Western capitals pretend that this is all right and is not at odds
with the principles of the rule of law or the fundamental norms of international human rights.
The killings of Russian journalists in Ukraine, who were performing their professional duties,
have not been investigated. On the contrary, we have heard Ukraine's absurd demands in the
context of the trial of Nadezhda Savchenko and seen unacceptable attempts by our Western
colleagues to interfere in Russia's internal affairs and influence the court.
We consider it important to stress that the widespread practice of seizing and/or destroying Or-
thodox Christian churches and monasteries under the jurisdiction the Moscow Patriarchate in
Ukraine is totally unacceptable. Priests and believers are being intimidated and harassed.
As you analyze all this, you come to the conclusion that there is evidence of witch-hunting and
that unacceptable forms of dealing with dissenters and the opposition have become common-
place in Ukraine. This pushes the Ukrainian state further away from the European standards of
morality and law about which Kiev representatives are so fond of talking at foreign rostrums.
We are confident that the conduct of an efficient and impartial investigation under international
oversight into the crimes committed in the country and fitting punishment to the culprits will
help achieve lasting national reconciliation and stabilize the situation in our brotherly Ukraine.
The Issue of Impunity in Ukraine