US concerned over targeted violence in Ukraine

The U.S. voiced Thursday its concern over the targeted violence and intimidation towards activists and journalists in Ukraine , calling on the Government of Ukraine to ensure respect of human rights. State Department Spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said in a statement "the United States expresses its grave concern over an emerging pattern of targeted violence and intimidation towards activists and journalists who participated in or reported on the EuroMaidan protests." She added "the violent beating of journalist Tatiana Chornovol is particularly disturbing." "We call on the Government of Ukraine to uphold its OSCE commitments and ensure respect for human rights, including fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, the rule of law, and democratic principles," she stressed. She noted "we urge the Government of Ukraine to send an unequivocal message that violence against critics of the government and those who are working towards a modern, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine will not be tolerated." Psaki affirmed that the U.S. "in concert with our European partners, will continue to closely watch the disposition of this and other cases."