Ukraine: Lithuania says Bulatov tortured
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 February 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukraine: Lithuania says Bulatov tortured, 5 February 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331450312.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 05, 2014
Ukrainian opposition activist Dmitry Bulatov sits in an ambulance at the airport in Vilnius, where he arrived for treatment on February 2.
Lithuania says a Ukrainian anti-government activist shows signs of being tortured.
In a statement on February 4, the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry said Dmytro Bulatov "has clear signs of long-term torture and cruel treatment on his body."
The statement called for an independent probe, noting Ukraine is a signatory to a UN convention against torture.
"The European Union has to demand Kyiv to launch a thorough and independent investigation into these and other related offenses, and take steps to punish the perpetrators," it concluded.
The 35-year-old Bulatov arrived in Vilnius late on February 2, hours after a Kyiv court ruled he could leave the country for medical treatment.
Bulatov went missing on January 22 and resurfaced a week later, heavily bruised and with part of an ear cut off.
Images of his bloodied face sparked international outrage, with the European Union's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton saying she was "appalled by the obvious signs of prolonged torture."
The leader of the "Automaidan" movement, Bulatov organized motorcade protests outside President Viktor Yanukovych's sprawling country estate near Kyiv and has been targeted by police.
Based on AFP reporting
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
