The Ukrainian Kobzar community (musicians who play the kobza or the bandura) has issued the following statement:

“The Kobzar community of Ukraine is deeply worried about the fate of one of their brothers, the Kobzar and community activist Vasy Liutyi.  He was the emcee/leader of the meeting “For a united Ukraine” in the town of Rubizhne in the Luhansk oblast, in eastern Ukraine.

“We have learned that that on April 21, during a meeting in support of a united Ukraine in the town of Rubizhne, Liutyi was severely beaten and then arrested.  During his arrest, he was tortured.  We condemn the excesses of Russian chauvinists and protest against the inaction of the law enforcement authorities.  We demand the immediate release of the composer and Kobzar Vasyl Liutyi.