Official responses and questions remaining

The Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group has long sought to 1) establish open and constructive communication with the State Department for the Execution of Sentences [the Department] and 2) attract public attention to the situation in Ukraine’s penal institutions. Some interesting movement over the last few weeks might suggest full success. There are, however, more than a few “buts” On 25 June an “Official reply to accusations from some human rights organizations” appeared on the Department’s website . 1. Openness The Department would seem to feel aggrieved at criticism, especially over failure to appreciate its openness and willingness to cooperate with civic organizations. It states: “If the system is closed, then where do you get the numerous reports from penal institutions which are almost every day shown on television,... [read full story]