CEEC condemns mass arrests of Russian activists and bystanders and calls for targeted sanctions
TORONTO - FEBRUARY 26, 2014. The Central and Eastern European Council of Canada, representing the interests of 4 million Canadians of Eastern and Central European heritage, condemns the mass arrests of Russian pro-democracy activists, innocent bystanders and the sentencing of opposition leaders Boris Nemtsov to 10 days in prison and Alexei Navalny to 7 days in prison.

“Canada’s exemplary international leadership in placing targeted sanctions against the Yanukovych regime was pivotal in defusing the standoff and setting Ukraine on a path towards real democratic change,” said CEEC Chairman Markus Hess. “Canada must do the same with Russia to help limit the possibility of mass bloodshed in that country and to protect pro-democracy activists who risk imprisonment and torture when they speak up for freedom and democracy.”

This latest Kremlin crackdown clearly demonstrates the need for Canada to adopt Magntisky legislation to protect Russians and pro-democracy activists from arbitrary arrests and to protect Canadians from allowing corrupt Russian officials from using this country as a haven for assets gained through the abuse of human rights.

Markus J Hess
Chairman
Central and Eastern European
Council of Canada
Estonian Central Council in Canada

Paul Grod
President
Ukrainian Canadian Congress

Joana Kuras
President
Lithuanian-Canadian Community

Teresa Berezowski
President
Canadian Polish Congress

Andris Kesteris
President
Latvian National Federation in Canada

Agnes Somorjai
President
Canadian Hungarian Heritage Association

Marie Fuchs
President
Czech and Slovak Association of Canada

Dr. Ruki Kondaj
President
Albanian Community in Canada

For More Information contact:
Marcus Kolga
Central and Eastern European Council
marcuskolga@gmail.com
+1 416 833 5553

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