Ukraine protests against Lukashenka's visit

Ukrainian human rights activists urge not to watch football in a company of the dictator.

They appealed to heads of state, diplomats and international organizations with this proposal.

The open appeal signed by representatives of five Ukrainian human rights groups was made due to a planned visit of Alyaksandr Lukashenka to the final of the Euro 2012 football championship in Kyiv on July 1.

Ukrainian human rights activists say:

“The Belarusian authorities continue to impose new repressive measures suppressing peaceful rallies, prosecuting opposition activists and journalists, jailing human rights defenders. Only unconditional release of all political prisoners and termination of repressive measures as well as support of independent media and civil society, respect for the rule of law, free and competitive elections are the only way to Belarus to gain the right to take a place it deserves among the European partners.”

As charter97.org website reported earlier, upon his return from Latin America, the Belarusian ruler is going to attend the Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy in Kyiv on July 1.