July 07, 2014

Police unable to guarantee protection for Ukraine pride march

located:	Ukraine
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

A pride march planned for this weekend in Kiev had to be cancelled after police said they would be unable to guarantee protection for those involved if there was to be a far-right counter march.

The mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klichko, clearly demonstrated the lack of support for the march planned for 5 July when he said that this was not the time for such "entertainment events" in Ukraine.

Amnesty International has condemned the unwillingness of authorities to protect the event, saying it "sends all the wrong signals".

“The importance of the right to freedom of assembly was dramatically evidenced in the EuroMaydan protests," said John Dalhuisen, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Programme at Amnesty International.

"It’s hugely disappointing that only five months later, the peaceful enjoyment of this right is being selectively denied by the very authorities who profited from it."

“They must ensure, without fail, that next year’s march is adequately policed to ensure the protection of all those wishing to take part.”