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Yesterday, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a law violating most fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly, as well as basic rights to associate and work for a non-governmental organisation, including the right to be a human rights defender.

In a week’s time, on 22 January 2014, the Act on proceedings against mentally disturbed persons who pose a threat to life, health or sexual liberty of others will enter into force. In December 2013 the President signed it into law but said he would refer the Act to the Constitutional Tribunal for review.

At the end of December 2013 the President signed the new Foreigners Act. The law does not materially change the Polish model of migration policy but several measures proposed by the legislators can be assessed positively. At first glance, the new act overwhelms with its size: it has over 500 sections and is nearly twice as long as the currently operating law.

The 10th Edward J. Wende Award has been presented to Mikołaj Pietrzak, an advocate specialising in criminal law and the chairperson of the Polish Bar Council Human Rights Committee.

During the events on EuroMaidan, various special force units and police forces were deployed. However it was primarily the “Berkut ” riot police which used violence.

In December 2013, the Circuit Court in Gdańsk acquitted Przemysław S. charged with beating a man to death. The cost of the proceedings will be paid from the state’s purse. Mr S. was fighting for his innocence before different courts for more than 15 years.

On 20 December at about 6 p.m. car owners came to the main Minsk avenue to protest against imposition of the transport tax. The “Stop Tax” campaign ended up with detentions, and the car of one of the protesters was confiscated.

The HFHR addressed a statement to the President of the Polish Bank Association, asking if the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and payment terminals used by bank customers in Poland meet the needs of visually impaired persons.

The Provincial Administrative Court in Warsaw denied the complaint brought by Paweł Juszkiewicz against a decision which denies the recognition of him as a Polish citizen. The decision was based on a confidential report drafted by the Internal Security Agency, inaccessible for Mr Juszkiewicz.