U.N. finds fear-mongering by pro-Russians in Ukraine

[muriel_volestrangler]

Ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine have falsely claimed to be under attack to justify Russian involvement, a report by the U.N. human rights office said on Tuesday.

"Although there were some attacks against the ethnic Russian community, these were neither systematic nor widespread," said the report, which follows two visits to the country last month by Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ivan Simonovic.

"Photographs of the Maidan protests, greatly exaggerated stories of harassment of ethnic Russians by Ukrainian nationalist extremists, and misinformed reports of them coming armed to persecute ethnic Russians in Crimea, were systematically used to create a climate of fear and insecurity that reflected on support to integration of Crimea into the Russian Federation."

The report, which analyses events up to April 2, called for an urgent effort to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights and end so-called "hate speech" - such as nationalistic rhetoric and advocacy of racial or religious hatred.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/15/us-ukraine-crisis-un-idUSBREA3E0EQ20140415

And "credible allegations" of harassment, arbitrary arrest and torture targeting activists and journalists who did not support the referendum in Crimea.

[karynnj]

1. Interesting report and important as it reflects the time before the pro Russian riots

It does seem that Russia helped create the climate of fear among the ethnic Russian population.

I wonder if they are still investigating so they might have a view of April 2 until now.

[joeybee12]

2. I'm shocked!

No, I'm not...this was pretty freaking obvious...glad this has confirmation...more fuel to rebut the RT propaganda one find here.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

3. Not to mention the continued characterization of the Ukrainian government as "fascist" or "neo-nazi"

Which certain members of DU have bought hook, line and sinker.

[joshcryer]

5. Yep.

It did not shock me when some posters came back just to defend Putin, who himself is a fascist.

[The Magistrate]

4. Facts, Sir, Some Find Very Uncomfortable Things....

[Behind the Aegis]

6. There's a shocker.

Oh wait, no it is not.

[Cha]

7. Thank you for this, muriel