Threats against Ukrainska Pravda journalists pose crime – Ukrainian Parliament’s Freedom of Speech Committee
Pravda Ukraine
Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Head of the Verkhovna Rada Freedom of Speech Committee, has officially appealed to law enforcement agencies over pressure on Ukrainska Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach and the editorial office as a whole.
Source: Yurchyshyn on social networks
Details: Mykhailo Tkach, the head of journalistic investigations department of UP, released the investigation called Unfit for Service; it was focused on a group of young people who regularly reside outside Ukraine and somehow leave the country, although they are eligible for military service.
In recent days, they have attempted to exert pressure on Mykhailo Tkach. A person identifying himself as Oleksandr Slobozhenko, the subject of the investigation, wrote a letter to Tkach offering to “conclude a settlement.” There were reportedly many attempts to access the journalist’s bank account. In addition, threatening messages were sent to Ukrainska Pravda employees’ email addresses. “Sometimes the ability to keep your mouth shut can save lives,” the email’s author stated.
Ukrainska Pravda made a public statement regarding the situation.
Quote from Yurchyshyn: “I believe that such conduct constitutes a criminal offence under Part 2 of Article 171 of the Criminal Code (influence in any manner on a journalist in order to hinder his professional obligations or punish a journalist in connection with his authorised professional activities).
I officially request that the National Police of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General investigate the situation and issue relevant remarks.”
Previously: The Kyiv Prosecutor’s Office already launched criminal procedures in response to journalists from the Ukrainska Pravda outlet’s statements regarding attempts to pressure, threaten, and restrict journalistic activity.
Support UP or become our patron!