Assaults on journalists in Ukraine
Media Law Institute (MLI) calls on the international journalist community to support their colleagues as more than 50 media workers are injured in protests and clashes with authorities in Ukraine
Media Law Institute, a Ukrainian NGO and partner of IMS that engages in legislative work, research, and education with and of media expresses its indignation at brutal assaults on journalists, performing their professional duties, by the Ministry of Interior special unit “Berkut” defending the Administration of Ukraine`s President building.
During the events of 1 December outside the Presidential Administration in Kyiv, authorities severely beat with truncheons and kicked not only those who provoked the conflict, but also journalists recording the developments. As a result, more than 50 Ukrainian and foreign journalists were injured. Police had clearly seen and understood that these people did not represent a threat, but this did not stop them.
In addition to physical violence against journalists, their professional equipment – cameras and camcorders – was destroyed as well. The events were recorded on photo and video material, and with eyewitness testimony. In particular, among those who suffered were journalists from Reuters, AFP, Ukrainska Pravda, Channel 5, Ukrainsky Tyzhden, LB.UA, UBR, other media outlets.
Some days ago, journalists were subjected to violence by the law enforcement authorities and provocateurs, the latter reported to have been organised to destabilise the situation in the country. For instance, on Friday, 29 November, a journalist from Hromadske TV was severely beaten, got his camera and phone crushed. On the weekend, two attacks on journalists of Channel 5 took place, when unknown persons were throwing stones and sticks and “Berkut” fighters broke the camera.
Police must ensure citizen safety
Media Law Institute emphasises that one of the key missions of police is to ensure the personal safety of citizens, protection of their rights, freedoms and legitimate interests. As the law states, the use of force shall be reasonable under relevant circumstances and proportionate to the threats. It appears evident that journalists, who were recording the developments for coverage, did not constitute any threat to life and health of police officers or citizens, and therefore the use of force against journalists is an obstruction of their professional activities, for which there is criminal liability.
Media Law Institute urges the public authorities to stop violence against journalists immediately, to investigate crimes and compensate material and moral damage suffered by the victims. We call on the international journalist community to support their colleagues and to condemn the actions of Ukrainian authorities.
Are you a journalist in need of legal assistance in Ukraine, find the contact details here for the hotline set up by Media Law Institute in cooperation with IMS.
