Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today issued the following statement:

“Canada is outraged by reports of the kidnapping and particularly barbaric torture of prominent Ukrainian civil society leader Dmytro Bulatov. Our ambassador, together with representatives of like-minded countries, has checked on his condition and expressed Canada’s concern. 

“The abduction and abuse of pro-democracy activists is a cruel and crude attempt to deter peaceful protest through fear. We call for an independent investigation into this case and all other crimes against protesters.  

“We also urge the Ukrainian government to work constructively with the opposition and the Ukrainian people to resolve the crisis in Ukraine peacefully.  

“We have already barred Ukrainian officials responsible for repression from entering Canada. Canada will continue to monitor developments in Ukraine and, with our international partners, we will consider further options if necessary.”