US appalled by torture of Ukrainian protester

The US expressed growing concern about the harsh treatment of anti-government protesters in Ukraine on Friday, following the discovery of man who has been severely beaten for days and then thrown into a forest outside the capital Kiev. "We were appalled by obvious signs of torture inflicted on protest leader Dmitro Bulatov, who was found yesterday after having been missing for a week," said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney."We are deeply concerned by increasing reports of protesters disappearing and being beaten and tortured, as well as by attacks on journalists," he added. "It is especially concerning that some of these reports have suggested the involvement of security forces." Bulatov said there was no way to identify his kidnappers, because he was kept in darkness."They crucified me, they nailed down my hands. They cut off my ear, they cut my face. There isn't a spot on my body that hasn't been beaten," Bulatov told a local TV station in the country. "Thank God, I am alive." Carney stressed the urgency of the Ukrainian government using "all available resources to investigate these horrific crimes and hold accountable those responsible." Authorities have already opened an investigation, but Bulatov is not the only protester that has disappeared. Two others have reportedly been kidnapped; one remains missing while the other was found dead.Demonstrations in Kiev's main square have been ongoing since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade deal with the European Union. However they have since come to symbolize the public's anger at rampant political and judicial corruption in the country."A political solution is the only way to resolve this crisis, and we urge the government and President Yanukovych to continue to work with the opposition to find the compromises that are so critical to achieving this," said Carney."A political solution must respect the right of all people to express themselves freely and peacefully. It would also include a new government that can bring political unity, win the confidence of the Ukrainian people and give the people a voice in the future of their country by strengthening democratic institutions and making the reforms necessary to achieve economic prosperity," he added."It is critical that the government take immediate steps to build confidence with the people of Ukraine, including by pulling back riot police and releasing those protesters who have been detained," he concluded.