On October 16, 2020, two letters signed by twenty-four MEPs representing 14 EU Member States addressed Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the context of the extremely worrying human rights trend in the country.
Topics
- Interpol
- Extraditions
- Reforms in Ukraine
- Persecution of lawyers
- COVID-19
- "Meal For a Doctor" campaign
- Vlad Plahotniuc
- Freedom of speech
- Nursultan Nazarbayev
- Zhanaozen
- Human rights
- Igor Vinyavskiy
- Humanitarian aid
- Oppression of the opposition
- Vladimir Kozlov
- Bolat Atabayev
- Society
- Vadim Kuramshin
- Economy
- Alexandr Pavlov
- Mukhtar Ablyazov
- Muratbek Ketebayev
- Election observation
- Culture
- Alma Shalabayeva
- Tatyana Paraskevich
- Zaure Akpenbetova
- EuroMaidan
- Crimea
- Election monitoring
- Lustration
- Ukraine
- Ukrainian World
- Oleg Sentsov
- Nadiya Savchenko
- Zinaida Mukhortova
- Russia
- ATO
- Rafis Kashapov
- Chernobyl
- Nadia Savchenko
- Bota Jardemalie
- Rule of law in Poland
- Magnitsky Act
- Torture
- Polish judiciary
- EU
Country: European Union
ODF holds online hearing for MEPs with persecuted Polish judges
On October 8, 2020 we had the pleasure of organising an online hearing for Members of the European Parliament under the title “How should the EU support the Polish judiciary?”, featuring persecuted Polish judges Beata Morawiec and Dariusz Mazur, with additional expertise provided by Prof. Laurent Pech. The event was co-hosted by MEPs Róza Thun […]
How should the EU support the Polish judiciary? Оn-line hearing invitation
The Open Dialogue Foundation invites you to a Zoom hearing with persecuted Polish judges Beata Morawiec & Dariusz Mazur with additional expertise provided by Prof. Laurent Pech. Who? Judge Beata Morawiec, President of the Themis Judges’ Association. First judge to win a court case against Justice Minister Z. Ziobro for her unlawful removal from office, […]
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.
Further erosion of the Polish democracy: providing feedback for the first EU Rule of Law Report
The Open Dialogue Foundation provided inputs to the first annual Rule of Law Report, the European Commission’s latest oversight mechanism and a part of its wider rule of law toolbox. Together with experts and practitioners from Poland – judges Dariusz Mazur and Agnieszka Niklas-Bibik, as well as former public media employee, Piotr Owczarski – we submitted our feedback on the worrisome developments in the Polish justice system and media sector in 2019 and the first half of 2020. The European Commission’s initiative will result in the “Rule of Law Report”, expected to be published in September 2020.
Decisive phase of the fight for the rule of law in Poland: open letter to the European Commission
The next few days and weeks will determine the fate of the Supreme Court, a key institution in the Polish legal system that is currently upholding the independence of the judiciary. In 2018 the Supreme Court was attacked by two foreign bodies, the so-called Disciplinary Chamber (ID) and the Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs (IKNiSP). Contrary to their names, they do not consist of independent judges, but of party nominees loyal to the current parliamentary majority and the Law and Justice government.
ODF’s policy paper on Central Asia published by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies
The Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, the think tank of the EPP, has just published a new research paper entitled “EU Human Rights Promotion in Central Asia – Between the Dragon and the Bear”, written by ODF’s analysts Igor Savchenko, Kateryna Savchenko and Andriy Osavoliuk. The research paper consists of six sections, tackling a wide range of topics, from the promotion of human rights in Central Asia from the EU’s security perspective, to China and Russia’s influence in the region, including an analysis of how Central Asian regimes have progressively adopted human rights violations from Russia and China.
ODF and ‘Themis’ report on the Polish judiciary published by the European Commission
The Open Dialogue Foundation is one of eight European organisations whose comments and report on the state of the judiciary in EU Member States in the framework of the EU Justice Scoreboard 2020 initiative have been adopted and published by the European Commission. Our study was prepared together with the ‘Themis’ Association of Judges and concerned the state of the Polish justice system.
Exchange of views with DCAS MEPs on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan
On 17 February 2020, we arranged a visit of Kazakhstani human rights defenders, Bota Jardemalie and Dana Zhanay, to the European Parliament in order to attend an exchange of views with DCAS members on the situation of human rights in Kazakhstan prior to the 17th EU – Kazakhstan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC) meeting in Nur-Sultan on 25-27 February. The roundtable discussion provided a rich exchange of views between the MEPs and members of civil society and NGOs.
Statement re. event organised by EU Today in the European Parliament on 23 January 2020
We have recently learned of an event held in the European Parliament on January 23rd, 2020, organised by the “EU Today” website. The event’s title, “NGOs: between public good and bad governance”, would suggest the event covered an interesting and important topic, the functioning of NGOs in the EU. Unfortunately, as we’ve learned from one of the unlucky participants of the event, this title was just disguise for another action by “EU Today” founder, former UKIP employee, far-right racist and Holocaust denier, Gary Cartwright, aiming to discredit ODF and our work, specifically in Kazakhstan.
PACE adopts resolution on Poland with ODF’s amendments
The 2020 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held on 27-31 January 2020 in Strasbourg, was dominated by two topics: the returning of voting rights to Russia (which ODF strongly campaigned against), which was suspended following its annexation of Crimea and invasion of Ukraine, and the worsening situation in regard to the rule of law in Poland.
Functioning of democratic institutions in Poland: ODF fights for a resolute PACE report
As is by now tradition for us, we were proud to be present during the 2020 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, held on 27-31 January 2020 in Strasbourg, France. Our delegation consisted of ODF President Lyudmyla Kozlovska, Kazakhstani activist from the ‘Qaharman’ human rights movement Dana Zhanay and Polish persecuted judge Dominik Czeszkiewicz from the Suwałki District Court.
ODF in the EP in Strasbourg: the Fall of Sandu’s Government in Moldova
On December 18-19, 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation’s team, together with human rights defenders from Moldova, conducted very constructive meetings in the European Parliament in plenary session in Strasbourg. The delegation consisted of Ana Ursachi, attorney prosecuted for political reasons, Stefan Gligor, co-founder and Justice and Advocacy Program Director at the Center for Policies and Reforms, Stella Juntuan, activist and former member of the Moldovan parliament, Grigore Petrenco, political refugee in Germany and leader of the Red Bloc opposition party, and was led by our colleague Martin Mycielski, Public Affairs Director at ODF.
“Law and Justice’s Campaign against Polish Judiciary” – ODF’s hearing in the European Parliament
In light of the ongoing assault on the independence of the judiciary in Poland by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party – and especially the recently-exposed hate campaign against judges and prosecutors, orchestrated by the justice ministry itself – the Renew Europe group and the Open Dialogue Foundation have organised on December 12th, 2019, a European Parliament lunch debate with prosecutors and judges persecuted in Poland.
ODF among signatories of the letter to the President of EC regarding the breach of the rule of law in Poland
Non-governmental organisations (including the Open Dialogue Foundation) and academics specialising in issues related to the rule of law and the protection of human rights, sent an open letter to the President of the European Commission, in which they call for immediate steps to stop the rapidly growing legal chaos in Poland, including prompt submission in the European Court of Justice, of an application for interim measures in Case C-791/19 Commission v Poland, pending before the Court of Justice. The full content of the letter is presented below.
Polish media about the conference organised by the ODF in the EP with the participation of persecuted Polish judges
On Thursday, 12 December 2019, the European Parliament held a conference entitled „The Law and Justice Campaign against the Polish Judiciary”, organised by the Renew Europe group and the Open Dialogue Foundation. The event found reverberation in the Polish media, both pro-government and independent.
MEPs welcome Sakharov Prize winner Oleg Sentsov
On 26 November 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) and the Center for Civil Liberties (CCL) hosted a European Parliament breakfast under the title “Ukrainian Hostages of the Kremlin: How to Release Them All?”. The event was organised upon the initiative of the MEPs Petras Auštrevičius (Renew Europe; Lithuania), Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA, Germany) and Julie Ward (S&D; UK).
Gazeta Wyborcza reports on Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s meeting with Emmanuel Macron
Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film director who spent five years detained in a Russian prison, and Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, who was expelled from Poland by the Law and Justice government, met in Strasburg with French President Emmanuel Macron. An account of the visi
ODF among signatories of letter to MEPs on civic space and civil dialogue
The Open Dialogue Foundation is proud to find itself among civic organisations from across Europe, urging EU leaders to put civic space and civil dialogue high on the EU agenda.
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.
ODF and FIDU advocated for human rights at the 28th OSCE PA Annual Session
On July 4th, in occasion of the 28th OSCE PA Annual Session, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) and the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) organised a side-event on post-elections scenarios in Ukraine, Moldova and Kazakhstan at the premises of the European Convention Centre in Luxembourg. Th
ODF & FIDU event on post-election scenarios in Moldova, Kazakhstan & Ukraine in Council of Europe
On June 25, 2019, upon the initiative of PACE Member Roberto Rampi (Italy; SOC), the Open Dialogue Foundation and the Italian Federation for Human Rights hosted the side-event “Post-elections scenarios in Ukraine, Moldova and Kazakhstan. Between political uncertainty and regime consolidation”.
![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.
Emmanuel Macron writes to Lech Wałęsa re. Lyudmyla Kozlovska
Despite the news of Lyudmyla Kozlovska having received a residence permit from Belgium, French president Emmanuel Macron has decided to send words of support to former Polish president Lech Wałęsa and – indirectly – to Lyudmyla Kozlovska. The first president of post-communist Poland and Nobel Peace
Bartosz Kramek on the situation of Polish human rights activists during Civil Society Days 2019
On June 12 and 13, in Brussels, the 2019 edition of the Civil Society Days event took place at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). This event represents the cooperation between the EESC and the members of the Liaison Group representing European civil society organisations and networks
Bartosz Kramek speaks about resilient democracies at the Civil Society Days 2019
On June 12 and 13, in Brussels, the 2019 edition of the Civil Society Days event took place at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). This event represents the cooperation between the EESC and the members of the Liaison Group representing European civil society organisations and networks
![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.
Court finds entry ban on Lyudmyla Kozlovska unjustified
Last Friday, our Foundation‘s office received information that during a meetingbehind closed doors held on 16 April 2019, the Warsaw Administrative Court overturned the decision of the Office for Foreigners on the inclusion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, in SIS.
Onet: Court overrules expulsion of President of the Open Dialogue Foundation from Poland
The Regional Administrative Court has considered the documents substantiating the decision on Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion from Poland as “overgeneralised” and demanded her case be reconsidered by the Office for Foreigners.
Communiqué of the 3rd seminar of the “Truth, Justice and Reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, in association with the EU” Commission
The third seminar of the Commission “Truth, Justice and Reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, in association with the European Union”, which took place from June 2 to 5, 2019, in the city of Caen, brought together researchers and representatives of civil society from Ukraine, Russia and EU.
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.
Grani.ru on possible return of Russian Federation to PACE: the price of rotten compromise
On 10 June 2019, the portal Grani.ru published an article on the seminar of the Commission “Truth, justice and reconciliation between Russia, Ukraine and the EU”, which took place at the beginning of the month in the French city of Caen in Normandy.
PACE side-event invitation: “Post-elections scenarios in Ukraine, Moldova and Kazakhstan”
This side-event is aimed at bringing together CSOs and Members of PACE who took part in election and human rights observation missions, with the goal to discuss the current situation and attitude of the new and old ruling elites towards the challenges of the future.
Radio Svoboda: The Normandy Commission supports ODF’s proposal to adopt the Global Magnitsky Act
The participants of the third seminar “Truth, justice and reconciliation between Russia, Ukraine and the EU”, which took place on June 2-5 in Caen, Normandy, issued a declaration calling on Russia to immediately stop the war with Ukraine and release all political prisoners.
Recommendations on human rights situation in Kazakhstan in view of upcoming presidential election
On the occasion of snap Presidential election in Kazakhstan announced for June 9, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) has listed a set of recommendations on the human rights record in Kazakhstan for the EU, OSCE PA and foreign missions on the ground.
The Open Dialogue Foundation co-organized an international conference on the application of the Magnitsky law
On Thursday 28 March, 2019, ODF, FIDU, the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty (NRPTT) and the EU–Russian Expert Group on Combating Transborder Corruption organised an international conference on the application of the Magnitsky law, at the premises of the Italian Senate.
Stakeholders and CSOs discuss Global Magnitsky Act at Italian Senate
On Thursday 28 March, 2019, FIDU, ODF, the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty (NRPTT) and the EU–Russian Expert Group on Combating Transborder Corruption organised an international conference on the application of the Magnitsky law, at the premises of the Italian Senate.
ODF and FIDU organised a side-event on the Magnitsky legislation at the premises of the Council of Europe
On the occasion of the PACE Spring session 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) and the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) organised a side-event on the Magnitsky legislation at the premises of the Council of Europe, Palais.
“Global Magnitsky Act gathered lawmakers and victims of human rights abuses in PACE”
On the occasion of the PACE Spring session 2019, the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) and the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) organised a side-event on the Magnitsky legislation at the premises of the Council of Europe, Palais.
PACE Members: “Magnitsky laws” sanctions must be imposed in response to political prosecution in Kazakhstan
During the Spring session of the PACE, 22 members signed a written declaration under the title “Magnitsky laws sanctions must be imposed in response to political prosecution in Kazakhstan” tabled by André Gattolin, the French senator and member of the French delegation to the Council of Europe
Event: The Impact Of The Magnitsky Law On The Protection Of Human Rights. Testimonies From Different Countries
The Open Dialogue Foundation and the Italian Federation for Human Rights are pleased to invite you to a side-event on the application of the Magnitsky law, which will be held on Tuesday, 9 April 2019, from 13.00 to 14.00, room 14 (ground floor), at the premises of the Council of Europe, Palais.
New tools to defend human rights worldwide: The Global Magnitsky Act and its application in the European context
Upon the initiative of Italian Senator Roberto Rampi, the Italian Federation for Human Rights, Open Dialogue Foundation, the Nonviolent Radical Party, Transnational and Transparty and the EU-Russian Expert Group on Combating Transborder Corruption are pleased to invite you to an event.
A new resolution of the European Parliament urges Kazakhstan to put an end to all forms of political repression
Following a debate during the Plenary session of March 14, the European Parliament voted on a resolution taking stock of the human rights situation in Kazakhstan, urging national authorities to “put an end to human rights abuses and all forms of political repression”.
![The Lyudmyla Kozlovska Case timeline [updated]](http://en.odfoundation.eu/content/uploads/i/articles/8984_mid.jpg)
The Lyudmyla Kozlovska Case timeline [updated]
This is a non-exhaustive timeline of events preceding and following the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, from the EU. This list will be updated as events unfold.
“MEPs call for EU Magnitsky Act to impose sanctions on human rights abusers”
On 14 March 2019, in Strasbourg, MEPs voted in favour of an EU human rights sanctions regime, following a proposal by the Dutch government in November 2018 and voted unanimously by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council in December last year. The resolution was adopted by wide majority, 447 to 70.
MEPs address HR/VP Mogherini on the case of dismissed judge Malik Kenzhaliyev
Last Tuesday, on February 19th, a group of Members of EP constituted by Ana Gomes, Barbara Lochbihler, Mady Delvaux-Stehres, Tunne Kelam, Elmar Brok, Patricia Lalonde, Brando Benifei and Julie Ward, addressed a letter to Federica Mogherini, concerning the removal of judge from office in Kazakhstan.
ODF’s Interpol research as leading source for the European Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee (DROI)
The European Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee has recently released a report it has commissioned, entitled “Misuse of Interpol’s Red Notices and impact on human rights – recent developments”. Yesterday, the study was officially presented at the subcommittee’s meeting.
“Attacks on the legal profession and lawyers defending human rights” – an event at the European Parliament
On 19 February in Brussels, the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the EP hosted a hearing on “Attacks on the legal profession and lawyers defending human rights”. The event was chaired by MEP A. Panzeri and touched on the pressing issue of the threats to the threats to the legal profession worldwide.
EP discussed “Attacks on the legal profession and lawyers defending human rights”
On 19 February in Brussels, the Subcommittee on Human Rights of the EP hosted a hearing on “Attacks on the legal profession and lawyers defending human rights”. The event was chaired by MEP A. Panzeri and touched on the pressing issue of the threats to the threats to the legal profession worldwide.
Law and Justice’s campaign against the Open Dialogue Foundation
Following the coming to power of Jarosław Kaczyński’s Law and Justice party and its president Andrzej Duda in 2015, the state of the rule of law and democracy in Poland steadily deteriorated, as universally acknowledged by the international community, including the first ever… (read more)
PACE Members: “Assistance funds for the judiciary in Kazakhstan: need for an audit”
During the 2019 Winter Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE members touched upon various different issues of global interest, from problems of objectivity to media freedom and legal tools to enable the Council of Europe’s governments to adopt sanctions programmes.
PACE Members: “Attacks on civil society, independent media and opposition in Moldova must end”
During the 2019 Winter Session, held between January 21st and 25th, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) assessed the latest developments on the human rights situation in Moldova.
The Netherlands obstructs EU law on crime
The case of ODF President Lyudmyla Kozlovska has been featured in a recent article from Netherlands’ leading newspaper, NRC Handelsblad.
Russia: Stop the prosecution of lawyers and human rights defenders
Lev Ponomaryov and Emil Kurbedinov were subjected to shocking cases of administrative arrest for posting on social networks. In this way, the authorities continue to apply the policy of intimidation and punishment of individuals who dare criticise the actions of the regime.
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.
Open letter from non-governmental organizations in support of a targeted, global EU human rights sanctions regime
The Open Dialogue Foundation is among the organisations who joined the appeal to support the adoption of a Global Magnitsky Act at the EU level.
The European Magnitsky Act as a way to counter impunity for human rights violations in the world
Representatives of the governments of all 28 EU countries gathered in the Hague in order to discuss the Netherlands’ proposal to adopt, within the EU, of a joint legal mechanism that would allow the imposition of personal sanctions on persons involved in gross violations of human rights.
Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bartosz Kramek talk about the circumstances of the deportation of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation from the European Union
On 29 October 2018, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, and the Chairperson of the Foundation Board, Bartosz Kramek, were interviewed by Radio International. They gave their own account of the political situation in Poland, and talked about the deportation of the Presi
Warning re. suspicious group impersonating an EU body or pro-EU civic organisation
ODF has recently learned of a group or individual impersonating an EU body or pro-European civic group under the name “European Union Anti Corruption”, which seems to be running a paid, targeted smear campaign against the Foundation
Challenging the decision of the Head of the Office for Foreigners: Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s request for removal from the SIS has been re-submitted
On 15 October 2018, attorney Izabela Banach, representative of the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, submitted another application to the Office for Foreigners in Kozlovska’s case.
Decision of the Mazovian Voivode. Lyudmyla Kozlovska without a long-term EU resident permit
On 1 March, 2018, the President of the Open Dialogue Foundation applied to the Mazovian Voivode for a long-term EU resident permit on the territory of Poland. In the light of recent events, the decision she received after seven months, on 15 October 2018, is not surprising.
A delegation of the ODF attended the fourth part-session of PACE in Strasbourg
Between Monday 8 and Thursday 11 October 2018, a delegation of the ODF attended the Fourth part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg.
ODF in Strasbourg to advocate for independence of judiciary, human and civil rights
Between Monday 8 and Thursday 11 October 2018, a delegation of the ODF attended the Fourth part-session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg.
#SaveCouncilOfEurope campaign success. Sanctions on Russia to be maintained
The sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will not be lifted. On October 9, a draft resolution that aimed to create conditions conducive to Russia’s return to this institution was rejected.
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.
ODF representatives made a 3-day visit to London
A delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation composed of its President Lyudmyla Kozlovska, Head of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek and its Public Affairs Director Marcin Mycielski have just returned to Brussels after a three-day visit to London where they were invited and hosted by KOD UK.
PACE side event: Shrinking space for civil society and persecution of human rights activists
Populists and nationalism are on the rise in many European countries. Sadly, my second homeland, Poland is not an exception but a growing concern for its citizens, residents and the international community.
How to protect the foundations of the rule of law and democracy? ODF representatives made a 3-day visit to London
A delegation of the Open Dialogue Foundation composed of its President Lyudmyla Kozlovska, Head of the Foundation Board Bartosz Kramek and its Public Affairs Director Marcin Mycielski have just returned to Brussels after a three-day visit to London where they were invited and hosted by KOD UK.
ODF attends PACE Autumn Session 2018 to speak up for rule of law and human rights defenders
The President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, Mrs Lyudmyla Kozlovska, was invited to take part in two side-events, taking place within the Autumn Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in Strasbourg, between Monday 8 and Wednesday 10 October 2018.
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.
President of ODF delivers speech at the EP on Poland’s entry ban
On Wednesday 26 September 2018, Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, was invited to the European Parliament, in Brussels, by Guy Verhofstadt, President of the ALDE Group, to deliver her speech on the rule of law and the situation of the civil society in Poland.
“The populist path towards authoritarianism must be stopped”. Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s speech at the Bundestag
I am here thanks to the uncompromising Members of the German Bundestag and delegates to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, our hosts who truly care about the state of the rule of law, civil liberties and human dignity in Europe.
President of the Open Dialogue Foundation is in the EU again. In the Bundestag, she spoke about Poland
Less than a month after Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion by the Law and Justice government in retaliation for her husband’s (Bartosz Kramek) opposition activity, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation returned to the territory of the European Union.
In the Bundestag, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation spoke about Poland
Less than a month after Lyudmyla Kozlovska’s expulsion by the Law and Justice government in retaliation for her husband’s (Bartosz Kramek) opposition activity, President of the Open Dialogue Foundation returned to the territory of the European Union. German parliamentarians invited her to a hearing.
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”.
Request for removal of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from SIS submitted to the Office for Foreigners
On August 31, the authorised representative of the Open Dialog Foundation, attorney Izabela Banach submitted to the Office for Foreigners a request to remove the personal data of Lyudmyla Kozlovska contained in the Schengen Information System I and II.
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.
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.
Kramek in the @Tłit_WP studio: My wife was not surprised by the deportation
On 23 August, Bartosz Kramek, Head of the Foundation Board, was a guest of Marek Kacprzak, a journalist of Wirtualna Polska, in the @Tłit_WP audition. During the interview, he commented on the expulsion of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the ODF, from the territory of the European Union.
Onet: Ukraine outraged by the deportation of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from Poland and the EU
Ukrainian activists, journalists and human rights defenders express their indignation at the deportation of Lyudmyla Kozlovska from Poland and the EU. Moreover, politicians from several Ukrainian parties asked the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain explanations from the Polish side.
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.
Newsweek: European politicians stand up for Kozlovska who has been removed from the EU
Guy Verhofstadt, Alice Stollmeyer and a number of other European activists and politicians speak out in defence of Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the Open Dialog Foundation who has been removed from the EU territory upon demand of the Polish authorities – reports Newsweek.
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.
KyivPost: Jaroslaw Kaczynski has been branded as Ukraine’s Foe of the Week. For his ‘outrageous attack’ on the ODF President
One may well anticipate the abuse of Interpol’s Red Notice system by Kremlin to persecute its political adversaries. However, such abuse of the Schengen Information System by the government of an EU Member State in order to silence its critic is quite shocking – says Euan MacDonald.
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.
Washington Post: The Kozlovska story shows that the entire EU justice system is now under threat
The Polish right-wing government is still finding new instruments to attack democracy and the rule of law. However, the government has now set a truly surprising precedent. Warsaw has used its EU power to deport critics of the government.
European Commission refutes allegations by two MEPs against ODF
The Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) received a letter from the office of Mr. Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President of the European Commission, providing responses and explanations regarding the two Polish MEPs’ questioning of the legitimacy of ODF’s registration on the Transparency Register
‘The Polish Government takes revenge on my wife for my civic activism’ – says Bartosz Kramek about the ODF President’s deportation
Poland placed Lyudmyla Kozlovska on the Schengen Information System (SIS) alert list which resulted in her immediate deportation from the EU territory. This opened yet another stage of the battle led by the Polish Government against the Open Dialog Foundation, considering that Bartosz… (read more)
MEP Mady Delvaux calls on Kazakhstani authorities to end political prosecution of Elena Semenova
Mady Delvaux, Member of the European Parliament, who met Kazakhstani human rights defender Elena Semenova in the European Parliament in early July, demands an end to her political prosecution.
Human rights defender Elena Semenova detained in Kazakhstan after her visit to the European Parliament
On 20 July, 2018, in Pavlodar, three police officers detained the well-known human rights activist Elena Semenova at her home. She managed to write an SMS to her colleagues saying: “I’m being taken to the Department of Internal Affairs. They came for me” .
Open letter to Nazarbayev: MEPs denounce human rights violations in Kazakhstan
On 12 July 2018, eight MEPs signed an open letter addressed to President Nazarbayev decrying the human rights situation in Kazakhstan. MEPs J. Stetina, P. Austrevicius, T. Kelam, W. Klinz, A. Gomes, H. Hautala, V. Mazuronis and J. Nart denounced the reduction of the space for civil liberties.
Independence of judiciary in Poland and mass detentions in Kazakhstan – meetings at the CoE
On the occasion of the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a delegation of civil society activists from Poland and the Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) held a series of bilateral meetings with PACE Members and Permanent Representations to the Organisation.
ODF at the CoE concerned with dismantling of independence of judiciary in Poland and mass detentions in Kazakhstan
On the occasion of the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), a delegation of civil society activists from Poland and the Open Dialog Foundation (ODF) held a series of bilateral meetings with PACE Members and Permanent Representations to the Organisation.
PACE members: “Political prosecutions undermine the trust in the Kazakhstani justice system”
During the summer session of PACE, twenty-two members signed a written declaration, deploring the use of torture in detention facilities and the lack of investigation related to this systemic practice in Kazakhstan, as well as the severe violations of the right to peaceful assembly.
Europe, do not give up on Poland!
“Just as in 1980 there could not be freedom without solidarity, today there can not be freedom without the rule of law!” – former President Lech Wałęsa appeals to the European Commission regarding the reform of the Supreme Court in Poland, which will come into force on 3 July 2018.
PACE new recommendations: Protecting human rights defenders and the independent work of NGOs
On 24 May 2018, the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of PACE adopted two draft resolutions expressing its concern over new legislations and restrictions on NGOs’ activities in member States of the CoE and calling for the need to strengthen the important role of human rights defenders.
Arbitrary detention and use of torture: MEP tables written question on Kazakhstan
On March 21, MEP Tomáš Zdechovský submitted a written question to the EU VP/HR on the arbitrary detention and use of torture taking place in Kazakhstan. This comes after an appeal submitted to president Nazarbayev by seven MEPs who expressed their concern about the current situation of human rights.
MEPs decry attacks against independent lawyers, activists and judges in Moldova
On April 9, 2018, MEPs – Jaromír Štětina, Julie Ward, Tomáš Zdechovský – addressed the Ministry of Justice and General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Moldova with regard to the attacks currently being organised against independent lawyers, pro-reform activists, and judges in the country.
MEPs write to the EU VP/HR concerned with lawyers endangered in Azerbaijan
On March 13, 2018, MEPs submitted a written question to the EU VP/HR, Ms Federica Mogherini, on the harassment and persecution of lawyers taking place in Azerbaijan. In their address, P. Auštrevičius, J. Ward and T. Zdechovský made reference to individual cases of persecuted lawyers.
Delegation of defenders from the ODF attends 37th Human Rights Council in support of harassed lawyers
Between 1 and 2 March, 2018, a delegation of defenders from the Open Dialog Foundation met in Geneva on the occasion of the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
Programme OSCE PA Side-event on protection of Lawyers
Persecution of lawyers: selected cases from Moldova, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan
A smear campaign against the Open Dialogue Foundation has reached the walls of the European Parliament (updated)
Under the guise of a discussion on ‘financial fraud’, an information attack was launched against the Open Dialog Foundation in the European Parliament. The smear campaign against our organisation has become a revenge for our activities to protect human rights in the post-Soviet space… (read more)
Event at the EP: “Persecution of lawyers: Selected cases from Moldova, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan”
The Open Dialog Foundation is glad to invite you to an event on the topic of the persecution and protection of lawyers, which will be held on Tuesday 20 February 2018, from 15:30 to 17:00, room: A5G305; at the premises of the European Parliament – Brussels.
Members of the PACE launch a motion for resolution on the preservation of civil liberties in Poland, Moldova and Ukraine
During the last PACE Winter session, on 26 January 2018, twenty-nine members signed a motion for resolution to call for the strengthening of efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the rule of law and the respect of civil liberties in Poland, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.
Strasbourg: Members of PACE concerned about the rule of law, media freedom and independence of NGOs in Poland
On the occasion of the winter session of the PACE, the Open Dialog Foundation organised a 4-day mission to Strasbourg. The Polish delegation was headed by Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President of the ODF, Anna Prus from The Poland-wide Women’s Strike and Robert Hojda – creator of the Przystań “OKO”.
Members of the PACE call on Kazakhstan “to fully comply with its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”
During the last PACE Winter session, on 25 January 2018, twenty-four members signed a written declaration to urge the authorities of Kazakhstan to abide by the country’s international commitments under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Kazakhstan in 2005.
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.
“Government against the rule of law, civil society and independent media in Poland” – Invitation to an event at PACE
ODF, in partnership with PACE Members P. De Sutter and F. Schwabe is pleased to invite you to attend the event “Government against the rule of law, civil society and independent media in Poland” on Tuesday, January 23, from 13.00 to 14.00, at the premises of the Council of Europe, Room 11 – Palais.
Written contribution to the PACE report “The case for drafting a European Convention on the Profession of Lawyer”
The work of a lawyer in the Eastern European member countries of the Council of Europe is fraught with many risks: murders and attempted assassinations, criminal prosecution, pressure on relatives, illegal searches, attempts to withhold an attorney’s license, and slanderous media campaigns.
Russia deprived of its voting rights in PACE in 2018
Success of Ukrainian NGOs. Once again, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has prevented the Russian delegation from returning to its ranks. This decision was appealed for by 40 Ukrainian NGOs and the Open Dialogue Foundation.
MEPs support politically prosecuted individuals in Moldova and urge government authorities to abide by their commitments to the rule of law and respect for human rights
On December 13, 2017, MEPs – Ana Gomes, Tunne Kelam, Jaromir Stetina, Indrek Tarand, Kazimierz Michał Ujazdowski, Julie Ward – addressed the Moldovan authorities with regard to the worrisome developments of the state of democracy and the crackdown on civil society taking place in the country.
MEPs call upon the highest Kazakhstani authorities to stop politically motivated prosecution and mistreatment of political prisoner Iskander Yerimbetov
On December 13, 2017, a group of MEPs signed a letter addressed directly to the highest authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan, raising their concern about the situation of human rights and individual cases of politically motivated prosecutions, and demanding that the case of Mr Is… (read more)
Stop torture in Kazakhstan: Save political prisoners. Invitation to a protest in Brussels
On 16 December 2017, we will witness the 6th anniversary of the Zhanaozen massacre. A few days before the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan is going to be debated and voted. It is an opportunity for us all to once again raise the issue of political prisoner
EEAS issues the EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2016
The European Union has issued its Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World in 2016, with a country-by-country analysis and a summary of the current and future actions and priorities of the EU in protecting human rights.
Members of PACE to President Nazarbayev: “Stop any practice of political prosecution and release political prisoners”
On the 11th of October, 2017, Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a joint letter of concern addressed to the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, over the unlawful detention of two political prisoners: Mukhtar Dzhakishev and Muratkhan Tokmadi.
PACE: “International obligations of the Republic of Moldova and risks for its credibility abroad”
On 12 October, 2017, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a written declaration entitled “International obligations of the Republic of Moldova and risks for its credibility abroad”.
“Poland: unprecedented attacks on the rule of law and civil society organisations must be stopped”, MPs declare
On 12 October, 2017, 27 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a written declaration calling for the re-establishment of constitutional order and the liberties of civil society in Poland.
PACE: “Kazakhstan: political oppression, injustice and torture must be stopped”
On 11 October, 2017, 26 Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) signed a written declaration calling for the immediate cessation of political oppression, injustice and torture in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Members of PACE warn Interpol of persistent violations”
On 11 October, 2017, Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) addressed the Secretary of Interpol, Mr Jürgen Stock, and the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) in a bid to warn against abusive use of the international arrest warrant.
“We maintain a sense of the rightness of our actions” – the President of ODF responds to Anna Fotyga’s letter
In the response to ‘A. Fotyga’s position regarding the calling for the destabilisation of the state’, published on the website of the MEP from the Law and Justice party on 27 July 2017, L. Kozlovska wrote a letter, in which she referred to the issues raised and accusations brought against ODF.
Members of PACE addressed Interpol to stop political persecution of Russian, Kazakh, Moldovan and Azerbaijani dissidents and activists
On 27 June, 2017, Members of PACE from across the political spectrum and different states addressed the Secretary of Interpol and the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files in a joint letter concerning the widespread abuses of Interpol system by Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Azerbaijan.
ODF addressed PACE to protect human rights in Kazakhstan
Strategic cooperation between the Council of Europe and Kazakhstan in the field of criminal and constitutional justice, human rights and democratic citizenship has so far been an essential monitoring tool in bringing Kazakhstani institutions in line with European standards.
European Parliament’s debate on the macro-financial assistance to Moldova
On Monday, 3 July, 2017, during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate on the macro-financial assistance to Moldova was held.
“The authorities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are urged to cease harassment and political prosecution of pro-reform forces”, MPs say
On Thursday, 29 June, 2017, during the Summer plenary session of the PACE, more than 20 Members of the PACE signed a written declaration “The authorities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are urged to cease harassment and political prosecution of pro-reform forces”.
ODF PACE event: Tackling politically motivated persecution against reformers in Ukraine and Moldova
On Tuesday, 27 June, 2017 during the Summer plenary session of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), the Open Dialog Foundation organized a thematic discussion about “Political Persecution in Ukraine and Moldova. How political corruption undermines reformers’ efforts”.
The authorities of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine are urged to cease harassment and political prosecution of pro-reform forces
Both the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have signed European Union Association Agreements (AA), agreeing to fulfill European Union requirements regarding the implementation of extensive reforms.
EU: Macro-financial assistance to Moldova only if human rights, democracy and the rule of law are respected
On 20 June, 2017, Council of the European Union, European Parliament and the European Commission, agreed on the €100 million macro-financial assistance to the Republic of Moldova, linking it with the strict conditions on fight against corruption and money laundering.
European Parliament’s plenary debate on situation in Moldova
On Tuesday 16 May, 2017, during the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate on the current political, reform agenda and human rights situation in Moldova was held.
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.
The ODF discussed abusive use of INTERPOL’s Red Notices at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
On Wednesday, 26 April, 2017, experts, politicians, NGOs and victims of abusive Red Notices gathered at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to assess current improvements and challenges of INTERPOL’s system and provide recommendations on reforms of INTERPOL.
Invitation to a conference “Moldova at the crossroads”
On behalf of the Open Dialog Foundation and Members of the European Parliament Mrs Anna Fotyga, Ms Ramona Nicole Mănescu, Mrs Renate Weber and Mrs Rebecca Harms, we would like to kindly invite you to a conference dedicated to the current political and human rights situation in the Republic of Moldov
Roman Korbut with the ODF on the effects of lifting of the visa requirement for Ukrainians
The possibility of EU lifting the visa requirement for Ukrainians is good news, among others, for the ODF, which has supported the civil society in Ukraine since the time of the EuroMaidan. The consequences of entering a visa-free regime up to 90 days were discussed by R. Korbut on the Tok FM show.
Members of the European Parliament appeal to Interpol to stop political prosecution of Kazakh dissidents and activists
Members of the EP Mrs Julie Ward, Mrs Marju Lauristin, Mr Tomáš Zdechovský and Mr Tunne Kelam have addressed in a joint letter the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF) and Secretary General of Interpol concerning the abuse of international arrest warrants by Kazakhstani authorities.
Members of the EP sent letter to HR/VP Federica Mogherini on the recent human rights situation in and around Kazakhstan
As Members of the EP; we would like to raise with you the issue of worrying wave of repression, mass arrests, detentions and criminal prosecutions carried out by the Kazakh authorities against representatives of the civil society, activists, counsels, journalists and opposition voices in the country
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.
“Ukrainian Political Prisoners in Russia and occupied Crimea” – debate event at the EP
On Tuesday, 28 February, 2017, Members of the European Parliament hosted the Open Dialog Foundation for a debate event on the “Ukrainian Political Prisoners in Russia and occupied Crimea”, at the European Parliament – Brussels.
The ODF discussed human rights in Kazakhstan at the EP & CoE
Between 14 and 16 February, 2017, a delegation of the Open Dialog Foundation was present at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The aim of the visit was to discuss the current human rights, political and economic situation in Kazakhstan.
Written declaration “Moldova: political oppression against civil society and key witnesses” signed by 23 members of PACE
The result of our intense current work at Council of Europe in Strasburg: “Written declaration Moldova: political oppression against civil society and key witnesses” signed by 23 members of Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe!
The ODF’s support of the civil society in Moldova – high-level meetings at PACE & EP
Mid-December 2016 was a period of intense work on the support of the civil society in Moldova. With a group of its prominent representatives we held series of high-level meetings in the EP as well as PACE to discuss the country’s political and human rights problems.
Open Dialogue Foundation’s 2017 season’s greetings and 2016 top achievements
As the Open Dialog Foundation, we would like to thank you for your support during the past year and wish you all the best in your professional and personal life in 2017! On this occasion we would like also to share with you some of the ODF’s top achievements of the year 2016.
Global day #LetMyPeopleGo
On 10-14 October 2016, during the 4th plenary session of the PACE, a world-wide #StopPutinsWarInUkraine action will take place and photos of political prisoners and histories of their persecution will be published on social media within the #LetMyPeopleGo campaign.
The Open Dialog Foundation’s top achievements
Representatives of the Foundation follow and attend the most important sessions and meetings of the international organizations and institutions in Brussels, Strasbourg, Vienna and Geneva.
‘28 hostages of the Kremlin’ report presented in Strasbourg at the January PACE session
On Monday, 25 January 2016, during the year-opening session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian civil society gathered at an event organized by the Open Dialogue Foundation and the Kyiv Dialogue.
ODF addresses the new UNHCR on issue of political refugees
On behalf of the Open Dialog Foundation, non-governmental human rights organisation, we would like to congratulate you on your election as the new UN High Commissioner for Refugees.