People throughout Ukraine are called on to show solidarity on 19 June and come to Kharkiv in order to help Kharkiv residents defend their Gorky Park.

Public Hearings have (belatedly) been scheduled for 10.00 on Saturday to determine the fate of what has not yet been destroyed in the park.  As reported, the authorities went ahead without any permits or justification, and, abetted by the police, used force against peaceful demonstrators.

Whether Kharkiv residents are able to now uphold their rights depends on all of us. Solidarity must demonstrate that the authorities are not omnipotent and that civic society must be heard.

The organizers invite people to join in, with registration at 9 a.m (at Chernyshevsky St, 55).

The hearings will be attended by the authorities and active members of the public, and this will be followed by a resolution.

Given certain experience of such occasions, active participation – and scrutiny – by the concerned public is vital. 

After the hearings, those showing solidarity and support are invited to take part in a living symbol of support – the planting of a flower bed in Gorky Park.

Local artists, musicians and others will be taking part. “This defenceless island of flowers will symbolize not only Ukrainians’ wish to live in green, environmentally clean, cities, but will also be a gesture of opposition to the lawlessness of the local authorities.

These events in Gorky Park will begin at 12.30.

The chronicle of lawlessness can be followed here: http://www.kyivpost.com/news/opinion/op_ed/detail/68933/ and at: http://www.khpg.org.ua/en/index.php?id=1275908533

Our appeal to the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner is available in English here: http://www.khpg.org.ua/en/index.php?id=1275908780  The list of those organizations and concerned individuals who have endorsed it is at the moment only on the Ukrainian version here: http://www.khpg.org.ua/index.php?id=1275869282  (Please sign it by writing to [email protected]

It is vital that the authorities know that lawlessness will not go unnoticed or unpunished.  Please help by coming on Saturday if you can, or informing others of what is happening!

Thank you!