Brussels, 24/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 24 May, the European Union noted with disappointment Ukraine's decision to ban all public gatherings other than those organised by local authorities on 25 May - the day when Gay Pride was initially planned, announced Peter Stano, the spokesperson for Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle. “The EU calls on Ukraine's authorities to respect and protect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly”, Stano added, stressing the freedom of expression.
The EU takes note of the structural shortcomings in the existing legislative framework and administrative practice when enforcing the right of peaceful assembly, as indicated in the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights, Stano added.
Stano recalled that the parade had already been cancelled in May 2012 by the organisers due to security concerns. He said that the EU delegation in Kiev had called on the local authorities and police to do everything in their power to prevent a similar scenario this year.
The administrative court in Kiev decided on 23 May that no demonstration could be organised in the capital on 25 May due to celebrations for the city festival. (CG/transl.fl)