31 May 2018 | 08:52 PM UTC
Ukraine: Demonstration planned in Kyiv June 2
Civil society groups are planning to hold a demonstration in Kyiv June 2 to demand the release of a Ukrainian filmmaker imprisoned in Russia; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
The Save Oleg Sentsov civil society group is planning to hold a rally in Kyiv on Saturday, June 2. Demonstrators will gather near Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) starting at 11:00 (local time). The event is expected to remain peaceful; however, a heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area.
Context
Activists announced a global campaign on May 22 to demand the release of Sentsov, a Ukrainian filmmaker who is serving a 20-year prison term. Sentsov was convicted on terrorism charges that he and other rights groups claim are politically motivated. He launched a hunger strike on May 14 to demand the release of 64 other Ukrainian citizens that he claims are political prisoners in Russia. On May 28, Sentsov reportedly agreed to receive medical treatment for his deteriorating physical condition from the hunger strike.
Advice
Individuals in Kyiv are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all potential protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
