Ukrainian studies scholars call on Kuchma to uphold rule of law (03/18/01)

Ukrainian studies scholars call on Kuchma to uphold rule of law

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A group of 148 leading scholars and professionals in Ukrainian studies and related disciplines from more than 82 different universities, institutions and organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan have called on the political leadership of Ukraine to uphold its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and freedom of the press, expression and assembly.

In a statement released on March 6, they expressed their serious misgivings regarding the handling of the investigation into the death of Heorhii Gongadze, the outspoken journalist who disappeared on September 16, 2000, and supported calls for an independent, full, transparent and credible investigation of Mr. Gongadze's murder and of all the evidence that has emerged from the case.

"Only an honest attempt to uncover the truth can restore the country's image and promise and help Ukraine avoid becoming a pariah in the world community," the group underscored.

The group also declared its deep concern about the state of civil rights in Ukraine. "We deplore the continuing reprisals, threats and implicit threats of reprisal against those media, journalists, students, teachers and other Ukrainians who dare to speak their minds openly and freely on the current crisis. The persistent efforts to prevent and obstruct peaceful demonstrations raise disturbing questions about the commitment to freedom of speech and assembly, which are guaranteed in Ukraine's Constitution."

On March 1, just days after President Leonid Kuchma had promised a visiting delegation of U.S. congressmen that the conflict with the opposition would not be resolved through force, Ukrainian police tore down a tent camp in the center of Kyiv which had been erected by protesters demanding that the president resign over the mysterious death of the journalist. Mr. Kuchma was implicated in the case on November 28, 2000, after opposition politicians disclosed tapes in which a voice alleged to be the president's is heard giving orders to "deal" with the reporter.

The statement is notable in that it represents virtually the entire spectrum of Ukrainian studies, both senior scholars as well as junior faculty and graduate students, members of academic institutions as well as professional associations and émigré scholarly organizations.

The petition is part of a growing reaction in the West to the deepening political crisis in Ukraine. On March 1, in an open letter in the Financial Times, financier/philanthropist George Soros urged President Kuchma to step aside so that the investigation could go forward.

The statement is posted at www.ukrainianstudies.org/petition.htm. Any scholar or professional in Ukrainian studies who would like to add his/her name to the list of signatures should send an e-mail to [email protected].

Among the signatories are Natalia Pylypiuk, president of the Canadian Association of Slavists, and Robert De Lossa, president of the American Association for Ukrainian Studies.

Following is the full text of the statement signed by scholars and professionals in the field of Ukrainian studies.

* * *

We, the undersigned, scholars and professionals working in the field of Ukrainian studies and related disciplines in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Japan, all of us sharing a profound concern for the well-being of Ukraine and its citizens, its institutions, its record on human rights, freedom of the press, and its overall standing in the community of democratic and law-abiding nations, feel it essential to express our views on the present crisis there. We know that this crisis can only be solved by the citizens of Ukraine, but we believe that overarching moral issues, the need for solidarity with our Ukrainian colleagues and friends, and our own involvement in Ukraine oblige us to speak out.

We are deeply troubled by the murder of the journalist Heorhii Gongadze and the handling of the investigation into his death. The long delay in determining and admitting the identity of the victim and, with it, the very fact of the crime, has raised serious questions about the independence and the impartiality of the investigation.

We are concerned that this murder is only the most visible instance of violence against and harassment of independent journalists, politicians and other prominent Ukrainians. The questions surrounding the murders of Vadym Hetman and Yevhen Scherban, as well as the deaths of Vadym Boiko, Vyacheslav Chornovil, and many others remain unanswered, with little or no known progress in their investigations.

We are disturbed that anti-corruption legislation continues to be enforced selectively, mostly against government opponents and low-level officials.

We deplore the continuing reprisals, threats and implicit threats of reprisal against those journalists, students, teachers and other Ukrainians who dare to speak their minds openly and freely on the current crisis. The persistent efforts to prevent and obstruct peaceful demonstrations raise disturbing questions about the commitment to freedom of speech and assembly, which are guaranteed in Ukraine's Constitution.

We are deeply concerned that Ukrainian political and economic independence and sovereignty, already endangered by widespread corruption, may be further degraded as national interests are sacrificed to narrow self interests.

We fully support all calls for an independent, full, transparent and credible investigation of Gongadze's murder and of all the evidence that has emerged from this case. Those responsible, no matter what their position, must be held to account.

We also express our strong support for attempts to reform the political process and strengthen civil society, to establish a genuine separation of and balance between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as a truly open, honest and accountable system of governance.

We reject the claim that the current political crisis has done nothing but besmirch Ukraine's image. On the contrary, it has given the world - and us - the hope that Ukraine is capable of mature self-reflection, strong and honest criticism where necessary, and meaningful reform. We are convinced that only the rule of law, due process, and genuine freedom of the press, expression and assembly without fear of reprisal - combined with serious political dialogue - can help lead Ukraine out of this crisis. Only an honest attempt to uncover the truth can restore the country's image and promise and help Ukraine avoid becoming a pariah in the world community.

We express our solidarity with all those in Ukraine who are struggling for these goals and we extend to them our deep moral support. Democracy, as they have reminded us, is a process - and sometimes a very difficult one - not just an empty platitude.

We call on the president, the prime minister, the parliament, and the Supreme Court of Ukraine to take meaningful steps towards ensuring the full integrity of this process. And we urge our own governments to support Ukrainians at this critical moment in the history of their young democracy.

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