Ukraine: PEN International reiterates need for peaceful dialogue as death toll mounts 

PEN International, the worldwide association of writers, is increasingly alarmed by the escalating violence against journalists and anti-government protestors in Ukraine and the rising death toll.

In December 2013, the organisation’s International President John Ralston Saul wrote an open letter to President Yanukovic, calling for “a real dialogue between protesters and authorities and full respect of human rights by all parties.”

As the crackdown on protestors escalates, with over 43 individuals reported to have been killed from both sides as of the morning of 20 February 2014, the organisation repeated its call for a peaceful solution and for freedom of expression of protestors and journalists to be fully respected.

PEN International also called for an independent investigation into the use of force by Ukrainian security forces, with any one found responsible for abuses brought to justice promptly and fairly.

To Read PEN International Presidents open letter to President Yanukovic clicks here.

To read PEN Ukraine’s statement on EuroMaidan click here.

To read a joint statement by PEN Centres from Central-East Europe and the Balkan countries on EuroMaidan click here.