The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the Ukrainian government for “persecuting political opponents and curtailing democracy”

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, in a Memorandum on Ukraine prepared after his visit in March 2025, stated, that the introduction of martial law should not serve as a basis for curtailing democracy, persecuting political opponents or applying sanctions to them without a court decision, as well as for putting pressure on mass media.

The document refers to the Commissioner’s concern regarding reports of possible cases of intimidation and other forms of harassment of journalists, lawyers, representatives of civil society, political leaders and people who shape public opinion and express criticism of the government.

“In several cases, the Ukrainian authorities have imposed so-called “personal sanctions” on some of these individuals, restricting, among other things, their freedom of movement, expression and property rights. The Commissioner is concerned about the use of personal sanctions against Ukrainian citizens, as they entail significant restrictions on human rights and bypass normal judicial mechanisms.”, the document says.

The memorandum also recommends ensuring that all reports of intimidation and harassment are effectively investigated.

“Under martial law, Ukraine also introduced a simplified television news format, creating “Edynyi Novyni” – a joint marathon of several national media outlets. In its 2024 EU Enlargement Report, the European Commission recommended that Ukraine continue efforts to support and gradually restore a transparent, pluralistic and independent media landscape, ensuring that restrictions imposed for security reasons are consistent with key public rights and interests, such as access to information and media freedom”, Michael O’Flaherty emphasized.

The commissioner recognizes Ukraine’s right to self-defense and the legitimacy of restrictions on certain rights in response to Russian aggression.

At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of easing restrictions in the process of exiting martial law:

“The commissioner hopes that with the appearance of the first real signs of peace, Ukraine will quickly restore a democratic environment in general in full compliance with its international obligations in the field of human rights.”