Protest action

Dear journalists,
The indifference and inaction of deputies and officials is obvious. Divisions and the distribution of posts, powers and levers of influence prevent parliamentarians and government officials from hearing the people's pain, from understanding the problems troubling Ukrainians. We, representatives of an independent, non-commercial organisation – the All-Ukrainian Public Organisation 'Centre for the Protection of Human Rights Freedom' – are conducting a 'Fist' protest action to remind the country's leadership that it was the people who granted them high authority to protect the rights, freedoms and lawful interests of each ordinary Ukrainian citizen.
Two years ago, the Supreme Council of Ukraine adopted a law that lifted restrictions on prisoners receiving parcels and correspondence. This decision was made on the grounds of insufficient budgetary financing of the State Department of Ukraine on Execution of Sentences and the inability of penitentiary institutions to independently provide prisoners with adequate nutrition conditions.
The law was adopted for two years, its term ending on 31 December 2008, and parliamentarians apparently forgot to adopt a new law or renew the previous one.
And although the conditions of prisoners' nutrition have not improved, and considering the consequences of the economic crisis have significantly worsened, the question of unlimited acceptance of food parcels remains unresolved. Such treatment of the fate of 150,000 Ukrainian citizens will inevitably lead to starvation, malnutrition, the spread of tuberculosis, mass dissatisfaction and acts of insubordination by prisoners in protest against the state's indifferent attitude towards its citizens.
We at 'Freedom' Centre also took part in the 'Fist' action to draw the state's attention to the unjustified application by the state of the shameful practice of criminal penalties under Article 391 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which remains as a legacy from the Soviet punitive regime, when people were deprived of liberty for their political views and religious beliefs.
Currently, any person serving a sentence involving deprivation of liberty can have their sentence extended indefinitely. Any imprisoned person can be destroyed completely for refusing to perform unpaid labour or to clean the barracks.
We at 'Freedom' Centre demand that parliament and top government officials cease the abuse of people.
1. We demand the lifting of restrictions on parcels and correspondence for prisoners in prisons and penitentiary institutions.
2. We demand the repeal of Article 391 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine as it violates human rights, as it is punishment without guilt.
Dear journalists, freedom of speech is an enormous achievement that we have today in Ukraine.
Help us with your presence at the 'Fist' action, which will begin on 22 January at 10 o'clock outside the Interior Ministry of Ukraine building at 10 Bohomolets Street.
We are the voice and pain of the people, you are the Fourth Estate of the state, and together we will compel deputies and government officials to heed the people's suffering, to respect your people and to fulfill their duties. We sincerely thank you for your support and understanding.

Yours respectfully,
Chairman of the Board Bohdan Khmelnytsky