A large number of public figures and
prominent NGOs have endorsed an open
letter expressing concern over apparent attempts to trump up criminal
charges against two well-known civic activists – Maxim and Konstantin
Latsyba.
Since May this year both brothers have
received phone calls from police investigators who claim to be in possession of
a video showing thieves escaping from a crime scene in a car with number plates
similar to those on Maxim Latsyba’s car. No evidence of any sort has been
provided. Attempts by the police to take the car away “for examination” have
been resisted given the risk that evidence could be fabricated.
Given that, according to Maxim Latsyba, the
criminal investigation was launched on May 14, a day before the theft, such
fears are hardly surprising. Civic organizations believe this criminal
investigation is being used as a weapon to intimidate civic activists and
discredit them.
Maxim
Latsyba from the Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research has initiated
a number of laws aimed at developing civil society. His brother also works with the center, in
addition to being an activist at the Democratic Alliance party.
Other
Democratic Alliance activists have in recent months reported pressure from the
authorities.
It is
unfortunately more than likely that they are being targeted following their
attempts to hold a peaceful protest outside the president’s controversial and
top-secret residence at Mezhyhirya. As reported, members of
Democratic Alliance and journalists went to Mezhyhirya to monitor and “assist
in a clean-up” after a court banned peaceful gatherings outside the residence,
arguing it could obstruct measures to bring a spring
flood under control. But they found no flood, only Berkut riot police who detained
four of the activists. One was jailed for seven days, and another, who came to
the court to protest that ruling, received a five day sentence.
Neither these, nor other disproportionate
infringements on fundamental rights have daunted the civic activists. If, as
the Latsyba brothers believe, this is a new attempt to stifle protest, then it should
not be allowed to succeed.
Journalists and civic activists have been
warning that such attempts are likely for some time. In January Oleh Rybachuk
from the civic organization CHESNO explained that the regime,
with its popularity at a record low, had no arguments and would therefore be
likely to sling mud in an effort to discredit its critics.
Discredit and intimidate. With only
isolated courts still prepared to withstand pressure and uphold the law, the
pressure to keep ones head low can be strong.
The Youth Collective Security System MAMA
has just issued an open letter to the head of Ukraine’s security service (SBU)
regarding attempts by SBU officers to call young student activists in for
“chats.” Such methods, which are depressingly reminiscent of Soviet times,
reappeared soon after Viktor Yanukovych became president. Back in 2010 the rector
of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Father Boris Gudzyak made public
information about the SBU approaching him. This aroused considerable
international concern and focused attention on the unacceptable methods being
applied.
With evidence mounting the authorities are
again trying to use “prophylactic chats” with students, threats of criminal
proceedings, forced psychiatric treatment or other methods of intimidation,
close scrutiny from within Ukraine and the international community is crucial.
Halya Coynash is a
member of the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group.
