[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 33 (Thursday, February 27, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H2013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. GEORGE SAJEWYCH

  (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to pay tribute to 
an American hero, Mr. George Sajewych, a U.S. citizen who experienced 
firsthand the violence in Kiev while peacefully assembling in 
solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
  An esteemed, long-time retired broadcaster for the Voice of America, 
originally from Chicago, Mr. Sajewych was one of many journalists to 
have endured ruthless violence firsthand when he was beaten by Berkut 
police forces.
  The attack left him bleeding in the street, surrounded by the shreds 
of the helmet that he had worn for protection. His motorcycle helmet 
shattered by the beating. He was hospitalized after having suffered 
serious injuries.
  I commend Mr. Sajewych for his fortitude and continuing resolve in 
standing for freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the 
press, the fundamentals of an open society.
  I urge our President to swiftly impose targeted financial and travel 
sanctions on any Ukrainian Government official found to have endorsed 
this brutal violence and to channel all financial assistance offered by 
our country to Ukraine only to those who are committed to upholding the 
rights of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of press.
  Let us praise Mr. Sajewych for his courage and inspiration, standing 
at liberty's side.

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