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The Communist party of Ukraine has been banned after a Kiev court upheld a government lawsuit accusing the party of promoting separatism and inter-ethnic conflict.The decision, announced by Kiev’s district administration court on Wednesday, has been criticised by human rights campaigners who describe it as “a flagrant violation of freedom of expression and association”.
The move prevents the party from operating and participating in elections.
John Dalhuisen of Amnesty International said the court ban set a dangerous precedent. “The decision may be seen as dealing with the damaging vestiges of the Soviet past. In fact, it does exactly the opposite by following the same style of draconian measures used to stifle dissent,” he said.
“Expressing your opinion without fear of prosecution, particularly if that opinion is contrary to the views held by those in position of power, was one of the principles behind the EuroMaidan protests. Snuffing out the Communist party flies in the face of these ideals.”
Read more @: Ukraine bans Communist party for 'promoting separatism'
This flies directly counter to the EuroMaidan revolution. While calling for an open area to discuss ideas, the government of Ukraine is now shutting down one of the most popular opposition parties. This law and the courts decision to uphold this law is draconian.