Polish President Andrzej Duda’s focus on the “LGBT threat” is a retreat to a well-used trope ahead of the presidential elections. But will it work, asks Martin Mycielski.
External Sources
Why the government alone won’t solve our problems
In times of crisis, people often understandably turn to governments for help. And yet while there is an important and crucial role for governments to play during a pandemic, we shouldn’t forget the vital part played by the free market. If both the government and the market are allowed to perform the right functions, together they can help get us out of this extraordinary time.
Statement on Inadmissibility of the Bill # 3105 on the Legal Basis of the National Guard of Ukraine
We, human rights and civic organizations, urge the Ukrainian Parliament to restrain from providing police powers to the National Guard of Ukraine by adopting the bill # 3105. We call the Parliament to reject it.
Poland’s sham presidential election in a pandemic
Some 25 countries have decided to postpone their upcoming elections, with the last few – mostly regional or in tiny states – being held in early March.
Statement on the unacceptability of political pressure on the investigation into attacks on public activist Serhiy Sternenko
We, human rights organisations, call upon law enforcement authorities to investigate fairly the circumstances of attacks on Serhiy Sternenko. We would also ask politicians, officials and other parties not involved in the proceedings to refrain from interfering in the investigation.
COVID-19 in closed prisons in the occupied Crimea and Donbas which is under Russia effective control
Statement on the COVID-19 in closed prisons in the occupied Crimea and Donbas which is under Russia’s effective control. An immediate response from international organizations is required.
Mukhtar Dzhakishev sentenced to slow death in captivity (STATEMENT)
The court did not consider it necessary to take into account the fact of having already served more than two thirds of the sentence, nor the lack of penalties, the disability of the 3rd group and the deteriorating state of health of the prisoner.
Gazeta Prawna: Law and Justice party loses to Kozlovska. Court challenges quality of Internal Security Agency materials
The Voivodeship Administrative Court ruled that the conclusions drawn by the agency were not rationally derived from the evidence it has gathered.
Affari Internazionali: “Magnitsky Act: towards the international protection of human rights”
The adoption of the so-called “Magnitsky Act”, in Italy and at the European Union level, and the possible developments of its implementation have been discussed at a conference recently hosted by the Chamber of Deputies.
Poland’s PiS prepares ‘failsafe’ for October election
Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party doesn’t shy away from the authoritarian playbook to secure their power. While the battle with the European Commission over the rule of law rages on, PiS is discreetly trying to tweak electoral law in their favour.
DGP: Has there been power abuse against Kozlovska?
The audit of the books of account at the Open Dialogue Foundation, requested by Minister Mariusz Kamiński, lasted for over a year. Currently, the case is being looked into by the prosecutor’s office.
Ukraine President Zelensky urged to veto populist law on forced castration for ‘paedophiles’
Human rights groups have called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to veto a disastrously ill-considered bill introducing chemical castration for sex offenders. They see the bill as a cheap populist move aimed at winning votes in the coming parliamentary elections.
Human rights defenders appeal to president of Ukraine to veto bill 6449 approved by Verkhovna Rada, July 11
Dear Mr. President, We are appealing to you with a request to use your veto power over bill 6449 on increasing the responsibility for sexual crimes against minors that was adopted on the last day of the work of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
![naTemat: Senator reveals truth of PiS’s support for Russia’s return to the Council of Europe [INTERVIEW]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/9397_mid.jpg)
naTemat: Senator reveals truth of PiS’s support for Russia’s return to the Council of Europe [INTERVIEW]
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is “slightly” skirting the truth. This refers to the high-profile case of how PiS supported Russia’s reinstatement in the CoE and then protested against it. Senator A. Pociej, who knows the background to the case, reveals what it looked like in practice.
Why do I “snitch” abroad and the right cannot stand it? Let’s remember, Law and Justice does not equal Poland
Last week – not for the first time, and probably not the last – I have been met by a wave of hatred from the right-wing community. All because we decided, together with the delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation, to hold a series of meetings in Washington, which, by accident, overlapped with the visit of President Duda.
OKO.press: Siedlecka’s list – Judges of Freedom. 320 names now. A difficult period begins; glory be to these judges
The list of disobedient ‘judges of freedom’ continues to grow. Ewa Siedlecka receives reports about judges of common courts, who, in their judgements, showed courage and chose independence, rather than the ‘peace of mind’. The list of judges subjected to oppression is also growing.
DGP part 3: Kozlovska, Platon and the theft of the century
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs argues that they were against using the discussion about the Open Dialogue Foundation in Poland to deal with the Moldovan opposition.
DGP part 2: Minister Waszczykowski’s brother worked in the office auditing Kozlovska’s Foundation
The fiscal inspection of ODF’s activity was requested by the then head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, W. Waszczykowski. The case was transferred to the Customs and Tax Office in Łódź, which had previously been headed by Tomasz Waszczykowski, the brother of the head of the ministry of diplomacy
![DGP part 1: Kozlovska’s case. State trash lab [DGP investigations]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/9335_mid.jpg)
DGP part 1: Kozlovska’s case. State trash lab [DGP investigations]
DGP has a full report from the Moldovan Investigation Committee on the Open Dialogue Foundation. The document indicates that Poland might have cooperated on the ODF case with the special services in that country controlled by the oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc.
Gazeta Wyborcza: Failure of Polish services. Lyudmyla Kozlovska is free to move around the Schengen area. Apart from Poland
After nearly a one year of battle, the details of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation were deleted from the Schengen Information System. Polish authorities were forced to remove Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s record.
DGP: Kozlovska’s name removed from the SIS list. Poland loses to the Open Dialogue Foundation
Having been granted a long-term resident’s EU card, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, the head of the Open Dialogue Foundation, is no longer included in the Schengen Information System, according to DGP information.
ODF among signatories of petition to prevent the restoration of Russia’s right to participate in PACE
We, the Ukrainian human rights and civil society organizations, have been protecting Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories of Crimea and Donbas for the past six years.
Bartosz Kramek for Gazeta Wyborcza: PiS, Moldova – a common issue
The Open Dialogue Foundation won the trial with the “Gazeta Polska” magazine, so now editor Tomasz Sakiewicz threatens the judge. And the PiS propaganda attacks the Foundation using a grotesque report of the oligarchic and corrupt parliament of Moldova.
The authors of The Sunday Times article attacking the Polish foundation are the head of a PR agency and an employee of portals supporting Brexit
The authors of a recent article in The Sunday Times link the Open Dialogue Foundation to the practice of money laundering. The article, which was widely commented on in Poland, reproduces information from August 2018, and its authors are not employees of the respectable newspaper.
While the PiS are fighting the «Banderites», Putin is rubbing his hands with glee
Poll results have demonstrated that Poles are the most liked nation in Ukraine, ahead of Belarussians and Canadians. Yet, we do our best to make Ukrainians stop liking us.
“Kozlovska case” falling apart on bank statements. Parliament report turned out to have traces of Shor’s activity in it
A declassified report by the parliamentary committee charged with investigating the “circumstances of Open Dialogue’s interference into Moldova’s internal affairs” claims that the Open Dialogue Foundation has been financed by sources including money stolen from Moldovan banks
Parliament publishes secret report on “Kozlovska case”. What do Kazakhstani bloggers and mass information media under the control of the Democrats have to do with this?
On 17 December, the Parliament published a secret report by a parliamentary commission about the inquest into the “circumstances of the interference of the «Open dialog» foundation in the internal politics of Moldova”. In it, the foundation and its founder Lyudmila Kozlovska are accused of working
Forbes: The Magnitsky Law Is Taking Over The European Union
As a long-standing promoter and advocate of the Global Magnitsky Act, ODF warmly welcomes the news that, on December 10, 2018 the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs voted unanimously in favour of an EU-wide sanctions regime, based on a proposal submitted by the Dutch government.
“The investigation around the Open Dialogue Foundation is a form of political pressure.” NM Interview with Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US State Department George Kent
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent who is in charge of relations with Moldova and Eastern European countries, visited Chisinau on 5-6 December. In an interview with the NM editor-in-chief Galina Vasilyeva, Kent spoke about how the United States will assess the Moldovan elections
Open Democracy: In pre-election move, Moldova takes aim at civil society-opposition nexus
As the European Union calls out state capture in Moldova, the authorities in Chișinău are rewriting the rules of the game for civil society and opposition politics.
Further problems of the Open Dialogue Foundation: over PLN 700,000 tax and an investigation by the Internal Security Agency. Kramek comments on the charges
The Customs and Tax Office (Urząd Celno-Skarbowy, UCS) in Łódź has calculated that the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) is to pay over PLN 700,000 of unpaid tax. This morning, the Internal Security Agency announced the initiation of an investigation into the Foundation.
Statement Concerning the Persecution of Lawyers in Crimea
Statement of the Human Rights Agenda platform concerning the persecution of lawyers who work with politically motivated cases in occupied Crimea.
Four false reports in the “Kozlovska case”. How the parliament’s press service became a “troll” for the Democratic Party
The press service of the parliament of Moldova has distributed a release about the start of the work of a commission of inquest into “interference by the Open Dialogue Foundation and its founder Lyudmyla Kozlovska in the internal affairs of Moldova”.
EUobserver: Poland abusing Schengen for political reasons
The case of activist Lyudymyla Kozlovska, president of the Polish-based human rights NGO Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF), who was expelled from the EU by the Polish government, is becoming increasingly curious.
Open Appeal of the Human Rights Agenda platform concerning the Crimean government’s de facto refusal to let a RFE/RL journalist leave the peninsula for the sake of medical treatment
Ukrainian journalist Mykola Semena was de facto refused permission to leave the occupied Crimea in order to receive medical treatment at the neurosurgery and cardiology clinics.
Statement of the Human Rights Agenda platform: stop copying the Russian policy regarding the “foreign agents act”
There have been recent appeals by members of the largest parliament factions for legally enshrining the term ‘foreign agents’ in order to apply it to civic organisations and media which “directly or indirectly serve the interests of the aggressor state, i.e. the Russian Federation”.
MEPs, politicians and intellectuals call to “save the Council of Europe”
OPEN LETTER. We, the undersigned, are strongly concerned about the possible demise of the Council of Europe, which can take place very soon.
EUobserver: Poland accused of violating EU visa systems
Poland is abusing EU visa systems to punish government critics, an activist has said, in a case which highlights Europe’s loss of trust in Warsaw.
Onet.pl: ‘How eastern regimes used the Polish pro-government media after the deportation of Kozlovska’
Following the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF), from Poland, large pro-government media, from the Polish Radio to ‘Gazeta Polska’, were quoting Kazakhstani, Moldovan and Ukrainian media in their coverages.
Freedom Square: The case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska is a test of our solidarity
“Many people and organisations from the ‘pro-democratic side of the barricade’ have had dilemmas, or have openly opposed Lyudmyla’s support (…). But it is these very ‘controversies’ around Lyudmyla Kozlovska herself and the ODF that give us a better chance for our test. The solidarity test”.
Opposition being drawn out on «Open Dialogue». Democrats want inquest in parliament into connection between Kozlovska’s foundation and Moldovan parties
A group of Demparty deputies has proposed creating a parliamentary commission that is supposed to conduct an inquest into the circumstances of supposedly illegal interference in the internal affairs of Moldova by the Open Dialogue Foundation and its head Lyudmyla Kozlovska.
Wielowieyski and Święcicki defend the Open Dialog Foundation. Polemic with Pełczyńska-Nałęcz
Is the expulsion of the head of the Open Dialog Foundation from the EU at the request of Poland a victory for the Russian services, for the ODF having gotten under their skin? That’s what Andrzej Wielowieyski and Marcin Święcicki think.
Dr. Evelien Brouwer: Schengen Entry Bans for Political Reasons? The Case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska
Before expelling Mrs Kozlovska to Kyiv, the Belgian authorities should have checked first whether this expulsion would not violate her rights to freedom of expression, family life, or effective judicial protection, but certainly her right to residence as a family member of a EU citizen.
![“The only [thing] that we’re captured by is a desire to develop Moldova”. What Plahotniuc told about the country, the opposition, and protests](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/8816_mid.jpg)
“The only [thing] that we’re captured by is a desire to develop Moldova”. What Plahotniuc told about the country, the opposition, and protests
In an interview with IPN leader of the ruling Demparty Vladimir Plahotniuc told about the authorities’ plans to secure Moldova’s European course and about the people’s rapid and certain disenchantment with the opposition, as well as about how he understands the term “captured state”.
Maia Sandu after meeting with Poland’s ambassador: Warsaw authorities are not interfering in the political struggle in Chisinau
The embassy of Poland is upset that the decision of a Polish institution in relation to the non-governmental organization Open Dialog Foundation is being used against the opposition in Chisinau.
Ombudsman intervenes on the issue of expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska
The Ombudsman Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich raised the matter of President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, whose name has been put in the Schengen Information System by Plish authorities, resulting in a ban on entry on the territory of the European Union.
Marcin Święcicki, Member of the Polish Sejm, issued a parliamentary question concerning the removal of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from the territory of the EU to the Polish Prime Minister
“I have filed a parliamentary question with the Prime Minister regarding the prohibition of entry into the Schengen Area issued in the case of Lyudmyla Kozlovska ” – this is what Marcin Święcicki Member of the Polish Sejm posted on his Facebook profile on 22 August, 2018.
Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights: Detention of the ODF President has been illegal
On 20 August, 2018 i.e. 6 days after Lyudmyla Kozlovska was detained and expelled from the European Union, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights expressed its opinion on the matter by publishing the following statement on its website.
Andrzej Wielowieyski for Rzeczpospolita: The strike against the Open Dialog Foundation is Russia’s success
“Such a fierce attempt at gagging the Foundation and undermining its work, despite its undisputable contributions and achievements, is just bewildering. Obviously, there is one country which clearly dislikes the Open Dialog Foundation. It is Russia.” – says Andrzej Wielowieyski.
Guy Verhofstadt: The Schengen visa ban on Lyudmyla Kozlovska must be withdrawn
Guy Verhofstadt, the Chair of the Liberal Group at the European Parliament, famous for his bitter criticism of the reforms introduced in Poland by the Law and Justice party incisively commented on the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from the EU territory upon request of the Polish government.
Ukrainian NGOs call for support for Lyudmyla Kozlovska
“In our opinion, entering Lyudmyla Kozlovska into the Schengen Information System (SIS) and depriving her of the right to stay within the Schengen area is a dangerous precedent initiating a new way of persecution of civil activists in the EU Member States” – claims a group of Ukrainian NGOs.
MEP Rebecca Harms shocked by the expulsion of the ODF President from the EU
On 17 August, having heard about the detention (on the request of the Polish government), and, subsequently, expulsion from the EU territory of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation Lyudmyla Kozlovska, MEP from the Green faction, Rebecca Harms expressed her shock.
In French Human Rights League journal, ODF decries human rights violations in Kazakhstan and calls for adoption of Global Magnitsky Act in France
In the news section of the 28th issue of “Les Droits de l’Homme en Europe Orientale et dans l’Espace post-sovietique”, the Journal of the French Human Rights League (LDH) includes an article written by the Open Dialog Foundation concerning the situation of human rights in authoritarian countries.
Save Oleg Sentsov: time is ticking
I am writing this to ring the alarm about Oleg Sentsov, Ukrainian political prisoner who is now in deadly danger in a Russian prison, on a hunger strike. If no urgent measures are taken, he will die in his attempt to liberate his fellows in misery – other Ukrainian political prisoners.
“We all pay for the cretinism of a ‘good change'” – Wojciech Maziarski on the court’s decision in the matter of the ODF
On May 24, Gazeta Wyborcza published a column entitled “Good change counted in ziobrys” on the application of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the court to dismiss the board of the Open Dialog Foundation and the last similar case regarding the organization Citizens of the Republic of Poland.
Statement of the members of the Civic Solidarity Platform: Polish authorities reduce the space for the activities of NGOs including human rights organizations in the country
Since the end of 2015, we have seen disturbing trends in the actions of the Polish government and the parliamentary majority formed by the populist-nationalist party, Law and Justice (PiS), which harm the activities of human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Poland.
Yevgeniy Zhovtis: ‘It is likely that Ardak Ashim has become a victim of punitive psychiatry’
“Over the years, the authorities have cleaned out the opposition political field so thoroughly that now anyone who is trying to interfere or show his dissatisfaction with the situation and criticise the authorities is considered a destabilising factor, if not an ‘enemy of the people’”.
Open Address of the Human Rights Agenda on freedom of religion in the occupied Crimea and in certain territories controlled by Russia to Sam Brownback, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
The annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation with the use of its own armed forces in March 2014 caused numerous violations of rights and freedoms, including freedom of thought and expression, conscience and religion.
Petra De Sutter: The situation in Poland is unacceptable
In the Council of Europe headquarters, the Open Dialog Foundation organized a debate devoted to the situation of the rule of law and civil society in Poland. The event was attended by Belgian parliamentarian Petra De Sutter who, after the debate, shared her thoughts and reflections on her website.
![The right-wing media defend the hunter of Russian influence. What about the facts? [THE COMMENT]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/8495_mid.jpg)
The right-wing media defend the hunter of Russian influence. What about the facts? [THE COMMENT]
The right-wing internet focused on the fate of the hunter of the Russian influence in Poland, a victim of ‘Putin’s trolls’. Among emotional posts, it is easy to lose track of facts. And those are not very convenient for the hunter.
Spies, lies and the oligarch: inside London’s booming secrets industry
The battle over fugitive billionaire Mukhtar Ablyazov stretches from Kazakhstan to Knightsbridge
Onet: Law and Justice Party targets assaults on NGOs. NGOs say Enough: time to strike back
A women’s organisation has lost about 80 to 90 percent of its funding. Seven hundred court cases have been instituted against participants in protests organised by civil society associations. Another organisation is facing extensive custom and tax inspections.
‘We are here to defend democracy’ – Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bartosz Kramek in an interview for Gazeta Wyborcza
On Wednesday, 13 September 2017, Gazeta Wyborcza published an interview, given by President of the Open Dialog Foundation Lyudmyla Kozlovska and President of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek to Igor T. Miecik. The text, entitled ‘Open Dialog is defending itself’, is presented below.
Wielowieyski for Gazeta Wyborcza: Open Dialog at a crossroads
I first came across the Open Dialog Foundation in 2011 during OSCE Summit in Warsaw, when, together with MPs of Civic Platform and Law and Justice, the ODF stood up in defence of persecuted pro-democracy activists and miners of Zhanaozen (i.e. crude oil region in Kazakhstan)
”I want to go to the prosecutor, like Kramek” – an open letter from Wojciech Maziarski to the authorities of the Republic of Poland
On the 21st August, a Polish journalist and opposition activist during the time of the People’s Republic of Poland, Wojciech Maziarski addressed an open letter to the Polish authorities which was published in social media and on the website of Koduj24.
Statement of Global Ukrainians expressing concern over unacceptable pressure on the Open Dialog Foundation in Poland
Members of the Global Ukrainians network are alarmed by recent allegations (utterly unproven) coming from certain state media outlets in Poland concerning alleged ODF’s links to Russian secret services, and by mass distortion of information in reports of Euromaidan events
The Open Dialogue Foundation – public enemy number one of PiS and Jarosław Kaczyński
When they dared to criticise the PiS government, they were accused of arms trafficking, taking money from the Kremlin and being an “agent of influence.” – As a foundation, we support the rule of law and human rights. And we name those who violate them – said Lyudmyla Kozlovska, president of the ODF.
Centre for Civil Liberties’s statement on the pressure on civil society organisations in Poland
It is very surprising to us to read statements, unsupported by evidence, about the alleged links of the Open Dialog Foundation with the Russian special services. It seems that the publications, which appear in certain government media, are retaliation for the active position of the organisation.
Global Ukraine: Outcome of the press conference “Three Years After Maidan: Alarm Bells For Human Rights”
In Ukraine, there has been a dangerous tendency to deviate from the Maidan slogan “Human rights above all”. This tendency was the subject of the press conference entitled “Three Years After Maidan: Alarm Bells For Human Rights”, held by Human Rights Agenda on 18 July, 2017, at the Ukrainian CMC.
Joint Statement EPP-ALDE: Moldova – the uninominal system is a desperate attempt to keep the Democratic Party in power
In view of the Democratic Party’s recent proposal to change the Republic of Moldova’s electoral system, the European People’s Party (EPP) President, Joseph Daul, together with the President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Hans Van Baalen, made a joint statement.
MEP Harms: “The EU did not pay enough attention to Moldova” – an interview for Hromadske TV
It seems like the president is not giving up on this law, and at the same time, international aid is increasing from Europe and fro the IMF, and no the EP has also voted to introduce a visa-free regime for Ukrainians. So is the international community selling-out Ukrainian civil society?
PACE: Legal Committee recommends steps to end abuse of INTERPOL’s Red Notices
The Legal Affairs Committee of the PACE has adopted a resolution urging to end the abuse of INTERPOL’s Red Notices by authoritarian states! The documents includes practically all of our (and other civil society actors) recommendations and refers directly to our latest report on the matter.
Human Freedom Index 2016: level of freedom decreased in Eastern Europe. Ukraine drops in the ranking by record 27 positions
According to this year’s Human Freedom Index 2016 survey measuring widely understood personal and economic liberty, Eastern Europe is departing faster and faster from the western part of the continent.
Putin’s Dirty Game in the U.S. Congress
The Kremlin wants to get rid of the Magnitsky Act, which fingers some of its state-approved gangsters, and it’s using desperately needy children as pawns.
French Prime Minister signs extradition decree to send Kazakh dissident to Russia
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls signed a decree on September 17, ordering the extradition to Russia of Kazakh dissident Mukhtar Ablyazov.
Sentenced to Death
He had been waiting for an official decision concerning his refugee status for a year. A few days ago he discovered that he could not rely on the Polish authorities for help.
OSCE PA human rights chair speaks to released Kazakhstani activist
The chair of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s human rights committee, Isabel Santos (MP, Portugal), spoke on 4 December via telephone with Kazakhstani labor activist Roza Tuletayeva, who was released from prison on 19 November.
HRW: President Hollande’s Upcoming Visit to Kazakhstan
Human Rights Watch: Dear President Hollande, We understand that you will be visiting Kazakhstan on December 5 and 6 to conclude the “Year of Kazakhstan in France” and that during your trip you will meet with President Nursultan Nazarbaev and other senior government officials.
EUobserver – Kasparov: Stop Putin now or pay the price later
Chess legend Garry Kasparov was once the pride of the Soviet Union.
But 25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall he lives in exile, accusing Russian leader Vladimir Putin of “strategic failure” and the EU establishment of “ignorance” in its dealings with Moscow.
Liberation: Putin’s Justice in a French Court
The former chess champion and Russian political opposition figure Gary Kasparov having come provide his support to the wife and the daughter of the Kazakh Mukhtar Ablyazov at the Lyon tribunal on October 17, 2014.
Kazakhstan: Government must commit to protecting freedom of expression as UN reviews human rights record
The Kazakh authorities should heed calls for greater protection of freedom of expression made by several states during today’s review of its human rights record, PEN International said today.
PAP – Russia: detention of the Ukrainian female pilot Nadiya Savchenko extended until February
27.10. Moscow (PAP) – A Moscow court extended on Monday, the detention of the Ukrainian female pilot Nadiya Savchenko until the 13th February, who is accused by the Russian authorities of involvement in the homicide of two Russian journalists near Lugansk, in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine.
How to use international lustration experience in Ukraine
Today, all Ukrainian society is waiting for the adoption of the lustration bill, however many parliamentarians do everything to prevent it. One of the ideas proposed by the deputy of the Party of Regions faction, Anna Herman, is to talk about lustration through recourse to international bodies.
French Media on the Russian embargo imposed on the EU
The French information portal Mediapart published an article on the embargo against agricultural products introduced by the Russian Federation with respect to countries sanctioning the former.
The Italian daily Corriere della Sera on counter-sanctions against EU
The Italian daily Corriere della Sera has commented on the counter-sanctions imposed by Russia on the EU, USA, Canada, Norway and Australia.
Tuletayeva was denied release for political reasons
The refusal to release the workers’ rights activist Roza Tuletayeva (who defended the rights of Zhanaozen oil workers) on parole has political motivation behind it.
The Kuramshin case discredits the EurAsEC
Russian human rights advocates, including such prominent names as Sergey Kovalev, Lev Ponomarev, Lyudmila Alekseeva, Svetlana Gannushkina, Valeriy Borshchov among others, addressed the EurAsEC leaders demanding attention for the political prisoner Vadim Kuramshin.
Mark Feygin: ‘Crimea is at risk of becoming the next Chechnya‘
Russian lawyer Mark Feygin became famous for his participation in the high-profile case of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot, and no less scandalous was the ending of their partnership.
Isabel Santos meets imprisoned opposition leader
Isabel Santos, the Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, met today with jailed Kazakhstani opposition leader Vladimir Kozlov at a penal colony outside Almaty.
Oleg Osukhovskiy: “I demand that the membership of the Russian Federation in the Interpol structure be restricted and suspended”
The Russian Federation and other authoritarian regimes in Europe and Asia have abused Interpol mechanisms in order to oppress political opponents, using Ukraine as an agent to issue requests for the extradition of political activists.
Human rights activists demand that Ukraine cancel the extradition request for banker Ablyazov from France
Human right activists are demanding that the the Office of the Prosecutor-General of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Security Service of Ukraine cancel the requests for the extradition of the Kazakh political refugee, Mukhtar Ablyazov from France to Ukraine.
Gazeta Wyborcza: Solidarity with euromaidan. Come to The Constitution Square today
– Let’s send a strong signal from Warsaw that we support the peaceful protests of Ukrainians, show our solidarity with them, let’s meet today at 17 on The Constitution Square – say the organizers of the manifestation.
Ukraine: the first casualties of the anti-government protests
The clashes between the law enforcement units and protesters resulted in the death of 3 to 5 people, according to different sources.
France: Protect Critic of Kazakhstan Government
Don’t Extradite Refugee to Country Where he Risks Unfair Trial
West urged to introduce sanctions against Firtash, Akhmetov and Klyuyev
Yanukovych’s partners should spend their holidays in Minsk and Almaty, and not in Milan and Sardinia: Ukrainian journalists wrote in an article for Bloomberg
The territory of volition
For a long time I could not understand what associations I had with the Maidan. This is not a revolution, not unrest, and – for sure – not Bolotnaya. Not ‘occupation’. This is not a war. And this is not a protest as such, in its pure form.
Ablaykhan Akkuliyev: Prison population of Kazakhstan has begun to increase and it will continue to grow
The assistant professor of the Eurasian Humanitarian Institute and doctor of juridical sciences, Ablaykhan Akkuliyev, on the problems in the prison system and reform.
“They threaten us, we fear for our lives” state the family of the manager, detained in the Czech Republic
The complicated case of a manager, Tatiana Paraskevich, who has been held in a Czech detention facility for more than a year now.
How Europe helps the ‘hunters’ of Ablyazov
Last Thursday, the Spanish Audiencia Nacional сourt decided to hand over Aleksandr Pavlov, a former bodyguard of Mukhtar Ablyazov, to Kazakh authorities. He was charged with conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack.
Ghosts of transition
An interview with by Evgeniy Zhovtis
Yevgeniy Zhovtis: We are dragged further and further towards the ‘Time of Troubles’
The story of the forcible expulsion of Mukhtar Ablyazov’s family to Kazakhstan has become the number one topic of recent days. Was it extradition or deportation? Was it kidnapping or state-sponsored terrorism? These and other questions were addressed by Yevgeniy Zhovtis
Supreme Bar Council’s Mission to Kazakhstan comes to an end
On 30 April, 2013, an eight-day mission of the Supreme Bar Council to Kazakhstan came to an end. The Open Dialog Foundation was the initiator of the enterprise, as it had addressed the Commission and External Image of Pro Bono Activities with the SBC with a request to organise the mission
Mr. President, remember about human rights!
While the President of Finland was holding a meeting with Kazakh President in Astana, in Helsinki, journalists were making efforts to influence their leader. ‘Niinistö, do not forget about human rights’ – was the title of an article written by Kukka Ranta, who managed to visit Zhanaozen
European Parliament resolution on Kazakhstan
European Parliament resolution of 18 April 2013 on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan (2013/2600(RSP)).
Why the Kazakhs ‘deserved’ Nazarbayev
My previous article was devoted to the self-proclaimed ‘Leader of the Nation’, who, in my opinion, is a major factor, which is encouraging advocates of democracy and nationalists to unite. Today, I turn to the subject which is very painful for the nationalists
Hot September 2012: How it was
The details of the investigation into the suicide bombing in a private house at Moldagulova street, special operations in Kulsary, the attack on officers of the Department of Internal Affairs in Atyrau and special operations in the Koktem
European Parliament resolution on Kazakhstan
European Parliament resolution of 22 November 2012 containing the European Parliament’s recommendations to the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service on the negotiations for an EU-Kazakhstan enhanced partnership and cooperation agreement
Tommorow the newspaer ‘Golos Respubliki’ will not be delivered to readers
The Medeu District Court ordered the seizure of the circulation of the newspaper ‘Golos Respubliki’ after it arrives at the airport of Almaty. This means that tomorrow, the latest issue of the newspaper will not reach readers.
Askar Moldashev has been arrested
We have just acquired information that Askar, the older brother of Daniyar Moldhashev, the President of the LLP and publisher of the ‘Golos Respubliki’ newspaper, has been arrested by officers of the National Security Committee. He has been arrested ostensibly for drug possession.
Kazakhstan: Trials of the ‘oppositionists’ as in the times of the Polish People’s Republic
After the bloody protests in Zhanaozen, the Kazakh authorities put the oppositionists before the court, accusing them of causing the unrest in the country. The activists may be incarcerated for more over ten years.
Repression against the opposition in Kazakhstan — the Commission’s response
MEPs Marek Migalski and Piotr Borys issued a request in connection with the intensifying situation in Kazakhstan and more violent repression against the opposition leaders.
First Monitoring Report Documents Violations in Kozlov Trial
Freedom House is monitoring the trial of Kazakhstani opposition leader Vladimir Kozlov, who is being tried alongside activists Serik Sapargali and Akzhanat Aminov on charges of attempting to overthrow the government of Kazakhstan
U.S. urges fairness as Kazakhstan opposition leader trial opens
(Reuters) – An outspoken critic of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev went on trial on Thursday charged with attempting to overthrow the government, in a case the United States says will test the oil-producing former Soviet state’s democratic progress
Kazakhstan: Ensure Fair Trial for Opposition Activists, Oil Worker
(Moscow) – Kazakhstan authorities have an obligation to ensure that the trial of two political opposition activists and an oil worker, starting on August 16, 2012, is fair and public and that the defendants’ due process rights are fully respected, Human Rights Watch said today.
Kazakhstan: Justice for oil workers!
Sign the petition demanding justice for the oil workers and people in Kazakhstan
Nursultan Nazarbaev: crimes against freedom of the mass media
The re-election of Nursultan Nazarbayev in early April last year with an announced 95% of the vote gives a fairly clear idea of the little consideration he gives to alternative and critical opinion
Brutal attack against Kazakhstani journalist must be immediately investigated
VIENNA, 20 April 2012 — The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, expressed her concern over the brutal attack on Lukpan Akhmedyarov, a journalist with Kazakhstan’s Uralskaya Nedelya newspaper, and asked the authorities to promptly investigate the attack.
Kazakhstan: Opposition journalist seriously wounded
Reporters Without Borders is in shock after a near-fatal attack on the eminent journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov
Peculiar features of the Kazakh justice: does it fight against corrupted persons or opposition activists?
An authoritative German media holding ‘Deutche Welle’ posted an article on its web site which discusses some characteristic features of Kazakh justice in matters relating to combating corruption in the country.
Press-release of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan
‘The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan prevented at the stage of preparing acts of terrorism in the city of Almaty’.
The statement of the Open Dialog Foundation
Irina Mednikova, the editor of the “Voice of the Republic” newspaper, and the head of the Publications Dissemination Department, Yulia Kozlova, were detained by officers of the Department of the National Security Committee.
Kazakhstan is a risky nation for investment, US firm says
U.S. mining business consultants Behre Dolbear ranked Kazakhstan one of the world’s five riskiest mining nations for investors
The European Parliament is monitoring the situation of democracy in Kazakhstan
Piotr Borys: EP will be appeal to the authorities of Kazakhstan regarding the matters of democratisation of the country.
Kazakhstan: Allow Peaceful Protests
Rallies Set for 100 Days after Police Opened Fire in Oil Town
European Parliament resolution on Kazakhstan
The full text
Igor Vinyavskiy: Now everything is divided into ‘before’ and ‘after’
Interview with Igor Vinyavskiy, the editor of the ‘Vzglyad’ newspaper, given after his release.
The ‘liberation’ of Sokolova is merely a PR ploy of the Akorda!
The statement of the ‘Khalyk Maidany’ organisation regarding the so-called ‘liberation’ of Natalia Sokolova
World day against cyber-censorship. Kazakhstan
In 2011, a unprecedented social protest movement prolonged by a violent uprising, a wave of odd attacks and the Head of State’s health problems made the authorities even more nervous, causing them to tighten their control over information, especially online.
Newspaper editor Igor Vinyavsky still in prison
In a show of support for Igor Vinyavsky, the editor of the Kazakh independent daily Vzglyad, who has been held for more than a month, Reporters Without Borders is publishing an interview he gave on 1 July 2011 .
Igor Vinyavskiy: “I consider my case political”
An apprehension and ridiculous charges filed against the editor-in-chief of the ‘Vzlgyad’ newspaper put him in one group with the most famous ‘prisoners of conscience’.
Why is Tony Blair lending credibility to Kazakhstan’s dictator?
The former Labour PM has betrayed his own foreign policy agenda, writes Mike Harris.
Ermukhamet Ertysbaev: The state has the right to protect its national security
Ermukhamet Ertysbaev: ‘As for the TV channel “K +”, they carry out acts of real information terrorism against Kazakhstan’.
The Speech by the official representative of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurdaulet Suindikov
The investigative team has been continuing the investigation into the criminal case, initiated on charges of mass disorders that took place in the town of Zhanaozen.
MEP: “We will urge the gevernment of Kazachstan to include foreign observers in the investigation”.
MEP Piotr Borys visited the town of Zhanaozen in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan: Letter to the Prosecutor General regarding the December events in Zhanaozen and Shetpe
Letter of Executive Director Europe and Central Asia Division Human Rights Watch
The Statement of the ‘Stop Censorship!’ movement (Ukraine) on the prevention of oppression in Kazakhstan
The Ukrainian journalistic movement ‘Stop Censorship!’ strongly condemns the oppression that the Kazakh authorities have subjected independent journalists to.
Web-conference of a journalist Yelena Kostyuchenko with the participants of the Facebook group called ‘Zhanaozen’
A Russian Reporter comments on the mood of the people of the Mangistau Province: “The anti-Nazarbaev mood is, of course, very strong after his comments made on TV, regarding the events in Zhanaozen”.
Resolution of Investigation Department of the Committee for National Security
Order on Opening a Criminal Case № and accepting it for proceedings Almaty, January 23, 2012 The senior investigator from the Investigation Department of the Committee for National Security in Almaty, Captain Kobenbaev S, after examining the material registered in the Log of the Registration of Statements and Information relating to crimes under № 159 […]
Human Rights Commissioner concerned at Kazakhstan arrests
Markus Löning, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid, issued the following statement in Berlin.
OSCE media representative calls for release of jailed Kazakhstani editor
The raid on Vzglyad is part of a worrying trend against independent media outlets.
Zhanaozen
Special correspondent of ‘Novaya gazeta’ Elena Kostyuchenko is reporting about the situation in Zhanaozen
Zhanaozen — the oil river
The continued reportage of ‘Zhanaozen’
Zhanaozen
Special correspondent of ‘Novaya gazeta’ Elena Kostyuchenko is reporting about the situation in Zhanaozen.
Mangistau urgently needs humanitarian aid!
Appeal to the representatives of the European society to provide humanitarian assistance to the Mangistau Province inhabitants who suffered as a result of disorder.
Marek Migalski on the situation in Kazakhstan
During the plenary session in Strasbourg, Marek Migalski presented the situation of Kazakh oil industry workers to Members of the Parliament.
Vladimir D. Shkolnikov “The 2010 OSCE Kazakhstan Chairmanship: Carrot Devoured, Results Missing”
The OSCE Chairmanship and the agreement to hold the 2010 OSCE Summit in Astana, despite it not having a Summit-like agenda were significant ‘carrots’ given to Kazakhstan.
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights/OSCE announces the facts about the pressure from state institutions on the voters to secure high turnout.
The Head of the election observation mission of ODIHR/OSCE, Daan Everts, announcing the preliminary results of monitoring during election campaign on Monday.
The PACE delegation: the election reflects people’s will.
The delegation of Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) thinks that people’s will is reflected in the result of the snap presidential election, which took place in Kazakhstan on Sunday.
The presidential election in Kazakhstan hasn’t reached the mark – ODIHR/OSCE
The presidential election in Kazakhstan hasn’t reached the mark, the Head of ODIHR/OSCE observers Daan Everts declared reporting the preliminary results of election campaign monitoring.
A candidate for presidency Mals Eleusizov has voted for his opponent
The candidate Eleusizov has declared during the voting on April 3, that he and all his family will give their votes to Nazarbaev.
Interfax: Preliminary results of elections in Kazakhstan
Incumbent president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev according to preliminary information, won the election of the Head of the state that was held on April 3.
Geokz.tv: Forced organization of 100 % voter turnout by the authorities
As the Geokz.tv website informed, the Public Health Department of the Eastern Kazakhstan District was given an assignment to organize the 100 % voter turnout of their employees.
Journalists Protection Committee urges to find Daniar Moldashev
The Journalists Protection Committee based in New York urges the Kazakhstan authorities to find Daniar Moldashev and ensure his safety.
The President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev refused to take part in an online conference organized by the Azattyk Radio Station
On 30 March 2011 the Azattyk Radio Station explained in its official report „Questions of Azattyk website visitors to the President Nazarbaev” that the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev would not hold an online conference at Azattyk Radio Station.
The Central Electoral Committee has accredited more than 860 international observers on presidential elections
On March 24th, 2011 the Central Election Committee (CEC) has accredited more than 860 international observers on presidential elections.
Appeal of Azat National Social-Democratic Party (NSDP) to the Kazakhstan Republic Prosecutor K. Mami
NSDP considers illegal the exclusion of Clause 8 of Article 43 of the Law on Elections from the authorities of Party representatives having an advisory vote regarding their right to obtain a copy of the protocol attested with signatures of head and secretary of an election commission.
Provocations in Kazakhstan: at least 400-450 persons couldn’t arrive in Astana
In Kazakhstan struggle develops for compliance of fundamental law – the Constitution – by the incumbent administration of the country. Astana sees arrival of activists of an established public Committee “Let’s Defend the Constitution”.
Oskarżenie o terroryzm z powodu naklejek protestacyjnych
Oleg Barvin was arrested only because he took part in an action connected with a meeting with a presidential candidate Nursltan Nazarbaev.
Communiqué concerning the case of V.Kozlov
On April 1 of the current year, at 10.00 am, a trial will be held at the Almaty City Court, concerning the so-called “tax case” of Vladimir Kozlov, leader of the opposition People’s Party “Alga!”, in the state registration process.
The teachers of Uralsk were involved in volunteer work during elections
The teachers of Uralsk schools were obliged to specify the lists of voters.
The Central Electoral Committee has commented the first report of mission of ODIHR/OSCE
The Central Electoral Committee of Kazakhstan (CEC) does not agree with the facts of violations during electoral process found out by the mission of ODIHR/OSCE.
The discredit of “Alga!” opposition party
The co-coordinating committee of “Alga!” party made the statement about the activization of actions on party discredit.
More than 50 complaints about the infringements of pre-election process have come in state bodies
By data for March 24th various state structures of the country received more than 50 complaints about the infringements of pre-election process.
Police is the tool of struggle against heterodoxy
On the morning of 3/22/2011 at railway stations of cities of Kokshetau, Kyzylorda, and Astana police officers have withdrawn posters and stickers calling citizens of Kazakhstan to boycott preterm presidential election coming on April 3rd.
The calls with threats and arrest of the active workers of “Let’s leave the housing to the people” movement
On March 15th more than 500 active workers of “Let’s leave the housing to the people” and “For worthy housing” public organizations from different regions wanted to meet the presidential candidate for Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana.
The armed attack on active workers of “Alga!” opposition party in Pavlodar
The active workers of “Alga!” opposition party were assaulted on March 11th in Pavlodar.
Adil Soz “Presidential Election and 2011 Electioneering coverage. Monitoring preliminary report (1-8 of March 2011)”
April 3 the special Presidential Election will take place in Kazakhstan.
The Central Electoral Commission has received the facts about the infringements at the formation of the local election committees
On March 11th the Central Electoral Commission asked the State Office of Public Prosecutor to check up on the information about these infringements.
Revolution U: What Egypt learned from the students who overthrew Milosevic
CANVAS has worked with dissidents from almost every country in the Middle East; the region contains one of CANVAS’s biggest successes, Lebanon, and one of its most disappointing failures, Iran.
Attacks on the Press 2010: Kazakhstan
New laws restrict online news media, shield government officials from scrutiny. OSCE chairman Kazakhstan undermines organization with repression at home.
Conference in EP on human rights in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan reminds me of Egypt or Tunisia, says Muratbek Ketabayev, President of Grazhdanskaya Aktivnost (Civil Activity) Kazakh Foundation.
Early elections after Сonstitutional Council rejected referendum plan
More than half of 9 mn registered voters in Kazakhstan signed a petition earlier calling to hold a referendum to extend the President’s mandate.
EU punishes Lukashenko by travel ban
Alexander Lukashenko himself and his two sons are to be affected by penalties. Their assets are to be frozen, too.
OSCE human rights chief voices concern about possible referendum on extension of Kazakh president’s term of office
The purpose of the planned referendum is inconsistent with Kazakhstan’s international obligations and we hope the competent authorities will take the appropriate steps to stop this initiative.
EU warns Kazakhstan against backsliding on democracy
The EU has condemned Kazakhstan parliament’s move to skip the 2012 presidential vote and hold a referendum instead extending the leader’s rule.
Andriy Myselyuk “Program Viktor Almighty: fatal error”
On the eve of the local elections both the opposition and the mass media kept repeating the wary premonitions: as soon as the elections are over, the hell will break loose.
Paweł Pieniążek “Eurosocialists from the Party of Regions”
Europe was supposed to spread the democracy “virus” but, instead, it traded this mission for much pettier business.
Criminal investigations against Timur Kulibayev in Switzerland
ZURICH. A criminal investigation in Switzerland has been opened into allegations of money laundering against Timur Kulibayev, son-in-law of Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
ZhasCamp – Kazakhstan Youth Forum
ZhasCamp is the name of Kazakhstan youth conference, which was held in Almaty on October 8-10, 2010.
