53. The HRMMU has observed that in some cases the local authorities turned to administrative courts to decide on the prohibition of assemblies. 27 Such decisions are motivated by an inability to ensure the safety of participants, the lack of police staff. However, such practices lead to the violation of the human right to peaceful assembly. 54. Legislation on peaceful assembly, in line with international norms and standards needs to be adopted. Police should then be trained in policing regulations for such events, so as to facilitate peaceful assemblies, protect the security of participants, and provide space for such events in a manner that is non-discriminatory and participatory. D. Freedom of expression 55. The HRMMU is concerned about the curtailment of freedom of expression, harassment and threats to security incurred by journalists working in Ukraine, especially in the east. Below are some cases that the HRMMU is following, illustrating the pressure, intimidation and danger that journalists and media outlets are coming under in the struggle for control of the media, and what information the general public can access and obtain. For more cases, particularly in the Donetsk region see section V on “Particular Human Rights Challenges in the east”:28 a) On 9 April, journalists in Kharkiv protested against violations of press freedom after the local TV channel ATN was attacked by a group of armed persons who beat up and threatened Oleg Uht, the TV director of ATN. A suspect has been arrested in the investigation of this case. b) On 15 April, a newspaper editor was severely beaten by unidentified persons in Sumy. He suffered severe injuries to the head and an open fracture of his arm. c) On 16 April, the TV station “Center” in Horlivka (Donetsk region) reportedly terminated broadcasting its programs due to an increased number of attacks against its journalists. Journalists have reported to the HRMMU that they feel increasingly threatened each time they showed their Ukrainian ID. d) On 23 April, unknown assailants reportedly threw Molotov cocktails at the premises of the local newspaper “Province” in the town of Konstantinovka, Donetsk region. The newsroom was burned down. Prior to the incident, staff of the newspaper had faced certain threats and intimidation. On 18 April, the front door of the paper was reportedly painted with the words “Enough lying!” and “Here you can sign up for membership in the Right Sector”. e) On 25 April, a Russian journalist and cameraman were deported from Ukraine on the basis that their activities were “harming the security and territorial integrity of the country”. 27 The court in Zaporizhzhya has prohibited conducting any rallies and assemblies from 25 April till 18 May, allegedly to avoid possible scuffles. The decision was also announced on 27 April during the rally on Lenin square. 28 See section V. 42 | P a g e