Statement of the “Open Society” Foundation
regarding the events related to cynical and senseless violence during illegal crackdown of peaceful gathering
on Maydan Nezalezhnosti Square in Kyiv, and the necessity to “reload” the political system peacefully.
The “Open Society” Foundation stands for freedom of peaceful gatherings, rule of law and other fundamental democratic values, and is outraged by the cynical and senseless violence showed during illegal strangle of the peaceful gathering on Maydan Nezalezhnosti Square in Kiev in the night of 30 November 2013, and other incidents of violence across the whole country related with #Euromaydans.
It is symbolic that death of Lesya Gongadze, mother of Georgiy, was recorded at 4AM at the same time as started attack on helpless children who took part in the peaceful action. It is a demonstration of cruel and inadequate behavior of the state power towards the civil society. Remember that those, who are guilty in Georgiy’s death, were not punished, and thus we can trace that THESE PEOPLE still act using the same methods. Such impunity produces irresponsibility and cynicism, disrespect towards the own citizens.
During the speech of S. Arbuzov, the First Deputy Prime-Minister of Ukraine, in Vilnius, we declared our civic position by organizing flash-mob “Don’t Kill Our Dream!” http://www.osf.org.ua/about_us/org_news/Flashmob_27_11_13/
After the Cynical and senseless violence in the night of 30 November 2013 we constitute a setback from Euro-integration of Ukraine, rolling up of possibilities for citizens to express own views and thoughts by the President of Ukraine and the current government.
“Open Society” Foundation appeals to the international community to make everything possible not to repeat Belarusian scenario inUkraine. Citizens of Ukraine should not be hostages of unofficial agreements made between the President of Russian Vladimir Putin and the President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych.
“Open Society” Foundation demands:
- immediate investigation of cases that took place on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square in the night of 30 November'13, and making guilty responsible in order to prevent from the similar situations in future;
- political evaluation of the events that took place on Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square in the night of 30 November 2013, by the international community;
- institutions of civil society to make everything possible for standing for the civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine.
The death of Lesya Gongadze and start of strangling up of Maydan happened simultaneously and ominously point at a possible beginning of the NEW HISTORICAL CYCLE.
Mr. President of Ukraine!
Stop, you destroy our future!
Whom are you afraid of?! You are afraid of the youth - the future of Ukraine!
You have crossed the line where our fear also disappears!!!
If You and Your team cannot be our Guarantor - give the possibility to “reload” the political system in a peaceful way!
Resign!
President of the “Open Society” Foundation, Lesya Shevchenko
Director of the “Open Society” Foundation, Ivan Sikora
* The founder of the “Open Society” Foundation is Myroslava Gongadze.
In 2004-2008 we took part in advocating the case of G. Gongadze.
