U.N. urges Ukraine to scrap curbs on freedom of speech, assembly


GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations human rights office called on Ukrainian President Vikor Yanukovich on Friday to abolish curbs on freedom of speech and assembly and the operation of NGOs, which were passed into law on Jan 16.

"We are appalled by the deaths reported in recent days in Kiev, which should be promptly, thoroughly and independently investigated. We are also calling for an investigation into reports of kidnappings and torture," Rupert Colville, spokesman for U.N. rights chief Navi Pillay, told a briefing in Geneva.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Russia blocks Meta's WhatsApp messaging service, FT reports
US House passes bill to require proof of US citizenship for midterm voters
US pays Afghans stranded in Qatar to repatriate, plan labeled 'betrayal'
Politicians facing worldwide surge in violence and abuse, survey finds
Moldovan PM says law must be upheld in dispute over occupied church
Medal table at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 11
Australia's opposition leader faces leadership challenge as senior lawmaker quits
Britain, Italy, Canada, U.S. win openers in Olympic men's curling
Exclusive-Trump’s ‘Stop the Steal’ lawyer pushed for voter fraud evidence from US intelligence agency
China's Wang Ziyang advances to men's snowboard halfpipe final at Milan-Cortina

Others Also Read