Communist Party Banned In Ukraine
The Ukrainian authorities have banned the Communist Party in the country.
Wednesday, the District Administrative Court of Kyiv upheld the request of the Ukrainian Minister of Justice to ban the Communist Party. It will no longer be able to officially operate or participate in local elections.
Under four new laws adopted in May, collectively known as “decommunization” laws, displaying Communist or Nazi symbols can lead to criminal prosecution and up to ten years imprisonment. The use of the term “communist” is explicitly prohibited by this legislation. However, the Communist Party of Ukraine refused to make changes to its name, logo or its charter.
The Ukrainian authorities previously sought to ban the Communist Party last year. Shortly after the end of the EuroMaydan protests in early 2014, the Party was accused of financing pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. The Security Service of Ukraine claimed it had provided evidence of this to the Ministry of Justice, which then filed a motion to ban the Party in July 2014.
The proceedings never took place because the appointed judge pulled out of the case earlier this year, citing pressure from the authorities who had searched his office and confiscated files relating to the case.
On 16 September the Ukrainian authorities published a list of people banned from entering the country, including dozens of journalists, mostly from Russia.
The banning of the Communist Party in Ukraine is a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and association and should be immediately overturned, said Amnesty International.
“The banning of the Communist Party in Ukraine sets a very dangerous precedent. This move is propelling Ukraine backwards not forwards on its path to reform and greater respect for human rights,” said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International’s Director of Europe and Central Asia.
by RTT Staff Writer
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