Violence against Ukraine journalists spreads
With dozens of journalists assaulted in Kyiv, violence spreads to Ukraine’s regions, says IMS’ partner Media Law Institute
Over 20 journalists have been subjected to attacks and intimidation across seven regions between 24-26 January, says the Kyiv-based Media Law Institute (MLI).
Since violence erupted on 19 January, five dozen journalists have been injured in Kyiv alone, says the Ukrainian press freedom group Institute of Mass Information.
‘Indiscriminate’ use of force
Journalists are attacked despite clearly identifying themselves as members of the press, says an analysis by Dmytro Kotliar of the OECD in Kyiv:
“Journalists who wore clearly visible identification as “Press” and were video recording protests were shot at by (…) policemen who specifically aimed at video cameras or tablet computers.”
Medical volunteers and Red Cross personnel providing medical assistance are also reported to have been attacked by Ukrainian law enforcement, says Kotliar’s analysis:
“The police attack not only those who throw stones or are violent (…). Force is used indiscriminately against anyone who is in [the] vicinity of active protests.”
On 22 January, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, called on the Ukrainian authorities to halt the violence against the media and investigate all incidents involving journalists:
“I am especially alarmed that most of the journalists received injuries from stun grenades and rubber bullets used by the police during recent events,” Mijatović said in a letter to Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara. “In some cases, journalists reportedly were specifically targeted by the law enforcement despite clear identification as members of the media.”
“Journalists’ safety must be guaranteed at all times and those responsible for the crimes against journalists must be brought to justice to prevent an environment of intimidation, fear and impunity,” Mijatović said.
Legal aid hotline for journalists
IMS’ Ukrainian partner MLI has opened a hotline for journalists in need of legal aid. The hotline offers legal advice and support to those who have had their rights violated. Similar initiatives have also been started by other media organisations in the country.
In early December, at least 51 journalists were targeted and beaten by the riot police, according to the US-based press freedom group Committee to Protect Journalists. The Ukrainian authorities announced in December that they had opened investigation into the attacks. No progress has been reported, says the group.
