Kaptur Condemns Violence in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 4) – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), speaking on the floor of the House, condemned government violence against the protestors in Ukraine and urged the Yanukovych regime to renounce its policy of reprisals.

Congresswoman Kaptur, co-chair of the House Ukrainian Caucus, said the government should “encourage and ensure a more open society” rather than repressing dissent.

Ukraine has been rocked by protests against the government’s decision to abandon negotiations towards a free trade agreement with the European Union.

“For many years now, Ukrainians have called for and continue to desire a government and country that embraces democracy, liberty, and respects human rights,” Congresswoman Kaptur said in her statement. “Those citizens in the streets and all Ukrainians deserve the opportunity to peacefully demonstrate. They should not fear government retaliation.”

Kaptur reiterated her support for “the Ukrainian people's European aspirations and their demands for democratic reform. Let the people of Ukraine move forward and face west and east and north and south with no fear of reprisal.”