In the Council of Europe, the Ukrainian authorities were criticized for sanctions against their own citizens

In the Council of Europe, the Ukrainian authorities were criticized for sanctions against their own citizens

The European Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the actions of the Ukrainian authorities related to the imposition of sanctions against its own citizens.

"In certain situations, the Ukrainian authorities have applied so-called ’personal sanctions’ to a number of these individuals, restricting their freedom of movement, freedom of expression, and property rights, among others. The Commissioner expresses concern regarding the application of personal sanctions against Ukrainian citizens as it entails serious restrictions on human rights and bypasses standard judicial procedures," the statement published on the Council of Europe’s website says.

The Commissioner is also "concerned by reports of possible intimidation and other forms of persecution of Ukrainian journalists, lawyers, civil society representatives, politicians, and public figures who are critical of the government."

The Ukrainian authorities are recommended to conduct a thorough investigation into reports of intimidation and persecution.