Inflammatory speech Developments in the eastern regions have exacerbated tensions between those with opposing views, which often results in the usage of inflammatory or even hate speech, particularly on social media networks, in the mass media and during rallies. For example, in Odesa, public displays of a symbol, slogan or poster associated with one side or the other,136 including displays of the Ukrainian flag or of St. George ribbons,137 has on many occasions sparked a negative, sometimes violent reaction.138 It is of particular concern that some public figures, particularly political and religious leaders, resort to inflammatory speech, including on social media. At the same time, the Government and civil society activists are making efforts to address it. For example, on 6 August, during the session of the Temporary Oversight Commission of the Odesa Regional Council, a senior police investigator described “pro-federalism” activists who were gathering at Kulikove Pole as “previously convicted lumpen, from marginal circles, foreigners and unemployed” and “having the intellectual level equal to a 14-year-old”. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reacted to this statement and disciplinary measures have been taken. On 5 August, volunteers and journalists from the Zakarpattia region sent a letter to the leaders of all regions represented in Zakarpattia describing instances of priests addressing parishioners with “ambiguous statements and negativism” that may provoke intolerance. The letter was intended as a precautionary measure and urged the senior priesthood to ensure that the religious sphere was not politicised and that priests refrained from any such statements. B. Freedom of peaceful assembly The right to peaceful assembly was exercised without restrictions in most of Ukraine during the reporting period. In Donetsk and Luhansk regions, rallies could not be held either due to security reasons and active fighting, or because of restrictions imposed by armed groups. The only peaceful assembly in the east was the Prayer Marathon 139 held in Donetsk. However, because it is “unsanctioned” by DPR, its activists are regularly harassed, intimidated and abducted by the armed groups. For the first time since March, in Severodonetsk (Luhansk region), once the Ukrainian Government regained control of the city on 22 July, residents were able to openly gather on 1 August, in the central square, for a pro-Ukraine rally in the form of a flash mob. A number of rallies have taken place in western Ukraine expressing dissatisfaction with local or regional officials, opposing Russian-owned companies, in support of or against IDPs, against mobilization, or with demands for law-enforcement and criminal justice reforms. In some cases the protesters blocked critical roads. However, no violent incidents were reported. In western regions, the local authorities appeared more open to dialogue with the protesters. For example, in Lviv there were several instances when activists were invited by the mayor to the sessions of the city council to present their demands. 136 In Odesa, the two opposing sides are referred to as “pro-unity” or “pro-federalism” supporters. Saint George ribbons are associated with the pro-federalism movement 138 For example, in Odesa, some activists told the HRMMU that they would like to have psychological help as a result of trauma following the 2 May violence, but are afraid that because of their pro-federalism views they might be harassed or reported to law-enforcement agencies. In Bessarabia (south Odesa region) there have been reports of people demonstrating aggressiveness against pro-unity symbols, including the Ukrainian flag. 139 The Prayer Marathon is an inter-denominational initiative, which started on 4 March 2014 in Donetsk. It was initiated by the Council of Christian Churches in the Donetsk region. Representatives of different religious traditions, beliefs and people of good will were invited to gather at the main square to pray for peace, freedom and unity. Since April, the activists of the Marathon have been regularly harassed and abducted by the armed groups. 137 210 | P a g e