You're reading: US concerned about violence and intimidation towards Euromaidan activists

The United States is concerned about targeted violence and intimidation towards activists and journalists who participated in or reported on pro-European rallies in Ukraine, a spokesperson for U.S. Department of State, Jen Psaki, has said. 

“The United States expresses its grave concern over an emerging pattern of targeted violence and intimidation towards activists and journalists who participated in or reported on the Euromaidan protests,” Psaki said in a statement posted on the Web site of the U.S. State Department.

She said that the violent beating of journalist Tetiana Chornovol was particularly disturbing.

The U.S. State Department called on the government of Ukraine to uphold its OSCE commitments and ensure respect for human rights, including fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, the rule of law, and democratic principles.

“We urge the government of Ukraine to send an unequivocal message that violence against critics of the government and those who are working towards a modern, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine will not be tolerated,” the statement reads.