INTIMIDATION OF REV. FR. BORYS GUDZIAK, RECTOR OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY IN LVIV, UKRAINE
The World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations (WFUWO) is an international Federation of 28 non-profit organizations from 17 countries spanning four continents. The WFUWO supports cultural, educational, humanitarian and social programs, and advocates the advancement of the status of women, their families and children. WFUWO upholds the principles of political and religious tolerance, and universal human rights.
It is with utter dismay that the Federation has learned of the tactics used by the SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) in relation to a request made of Rev. Dr. Borys Gudziak, Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine.
Representatives of the SBU presented a letter to Rev. Gudziak, warning students that “illegal” protests could lead to prosecution, and requested him to sign it. As was noted by Rev. Gudziak, signing such a letter would indicate an agreement to cooperate with the SBU, a tactic previously used by the KGB to recruit secret collaborators. As well, the signing of such a letter would intimidate the University Administration and students alike. Rev. Gudziak refused to sign the letter and has made this situation known to the community. His refusal to sign the letter has garnered great support and quick reaction by advocates of human rights throughout the world.
The Federation (WFUWO) is appalled at the action of the SBU, which was similar to that used by the Soviet totalitarian regime, and appears to be a tendency that is becoming popular with the present Ukrainian Government. There is increasing evidence that with such actions, the intellectual and social freedom of the people of Ukraine are in jeopardy. We must, by all means, maintain and preserve the basic dignity of human beings, as well as the civic freedom and democracy that were so bravely and honourably reached during the Orange Revolution of 2004.
We bring this information to the community at large, in order to create an awareness of the critical situation arising in Ukraine at this time. Your efforts and assistance in assuring that the people of Ukraine continue to be allowed the basic human rights they, and the rest of the world, so richly deserve is required and appreciated.
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