The World Federation of Trade Unions representing 92 million members in 120, denounces the unacceptable action of the Government of Ukraine to start a criminal case against Pierpaolo Leonardi, General Secretary of USB Italy, General Secretary of TUI Public Services and Allied and an affiliate of the WFTU for “illegal entry in Donbass”.

Pierpaolo Leonardi entered Donbass in his official capacity of trade union representative of WFTU and TUI Public Services to express solidarity with the people of Donbass heading an official solidarity mission of WFTU.

The Ukrainian Government asserted that part of the land released by the people's Republic of Lugansk and Donetsk as its territories and has no right to claim that WFTU trade unionists violated immigration laws because they were supposed to enter Ukrainian territory, through a border of Ukraine and having a permit and a Ukrainian entry visa.  

The WFTU denounces the reactionary Government of Ukraine which with the support of powerful business interests has brought great suffering to the Ukrainian people. With public statements, appeals, protest letters and international activities, the WFTU has expressed “its indignation on the crimes and barbarities of neo-fascists in Ukraine” and has clearly stated that: “a big part of responsibility of the crimes in Ukraine is bear by USA, NATO and the European Union who support and assist the Government of Neo-fascist forces in Ukraine.” These acts will not terrorize us and will not stop the action of the international class-oriented trade union movement. These actions will only strengthen the international solidarity with the people of Donbass and Lugansk.

The WFTU also protests against the Government of Italy and the European Union who once again find the opportunity to support the fascist and criminal regime of Ukraine by endorsing the criminal case against the WFTU and USB trade unionist, Pierpaolo Leonardi.

We demand the immediate withdrawal of this case.


THE SECRETARIAT

Athens, Greece – 24 May 2016