You're reading: PACE decided to punish European parliamentarians for visiting Crimea

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution according to which European parliamentarians will bear responsibility for visiting Crimea and Donbas bypassing Ukrainian laws, Heorhiy Lohvynsky, deputy chairman of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE and a member of the People's Front faction, said.

“Today, PACE has adopted a resolution and a recommendation on what
precise sanctions may be applied against European parliamentarians. I am
thankful to all members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe who supported our delegation and voted for ‘our amendment’,”
Lohvynsky said on Facebook.

He also noted that PACE members are given certain immunity if they
fulfill their duties associated with PACE membership. “For example, if
they work as election monitors or as PACE reporters,” Lohvynsky said.

“In all other situations, European parliamentarians have a duty to
act in accordance with the national legislation. If it says that entry
of the territory requires the authorization of the Ukrainian
authorities, it means one has to obtain authorization before planning
the visit. If you enter without authorization, bear liability. According
to our legislation, criminal [liability],” Lohvynsky said.