Regardless of whatever one might think about Lira’s views and the particular piece of Ukrainian legislation that was cited as the basis for arresting him, the USG is supposed to support the rights of its nationals abroad. This is especially so whenever they’re arrested for expressing an opinion and/or practicing #journalism like he was.

Ukraine security forces are rounding up and arresting what they call “internet agitators” whose heinous crimes allegedly include posting political opinions online, using certain social media sites, and criticizing the Ukraine military. Freedom and democracy on full display.

#gonzalo-lira