Amnesty International experts in Kyiv and London are monitoring the continuing violence between anti-government protestors and security forces in central Kyiv that has taken the lives of at least 25 people.
“The dramatic escalation in violence in the last 24 hours is deeply alarming. This is a time for clear-headed thinking where all sides should be striving to calm tensions and curb violence. Worryingly confrontation appears to be prevailing,” said John Dalhuisen, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director.
“The abusive use of force by police in recent months has fanned the flames of protest currently burning in Independence Square – the Ukrainian authorities must be careful not to fuel them further. The police response to protester violence must be targeted and proportionate and the right to peaceful assembly respected.”
For more information and to arrange an interview please contact:
Lydia Aroyo, Europe and Central Asia Press Officer at the International Secretariat on +44 (0) 20 74135599, +44 (0) 7771796350 (mobile) or write to [email protected].