Media workers called on the Verkhovna Rada not to adopt a law that threatens freedom of speech

Media movement and human rights organizations call on the Verkhovna Rada not to adopt draft law No. 10242, as its provisions can be used to put pressure on journalists. About this informs Institute of mass information.

Representatives of the Media Office, as well as a number of Ukrainian media and human rights organizations, appealed to people’s deputies to refrain from supporting this draft law in its current version. In their opinion, the document creates serious risks for freedom of speech, journalistic activity, as well as protection of sources of information and whistleblowers of corruption.

The joint statement released by the organizations talks about the threats posed by the draft law. It provides for criminal liability – up to eight years of imprisonment – for public disclosure of confidential information from the registers during martial law. At the same time, the document does not provide any guarantees of protection for those who disclose publicly important information.

The authors of the statement believe that this draft law can become a tool for persecuting journalists. In particular, it opens up possibilities for eavesdropping and surveillance of media workers. Supporters of the initiative call for an open discussion and introduction of changes that would eliminate threats to freedom of speech and the rights of journalists.

“Under the guise of combating “data abuse”, a tool is being created that can be used to prosecute journalists covering corruption schemes or abuse of power. Examples of investigations, the authors of which can be prosecuted under the provisions of this draft law, are materials about schemes for men to leave for the border during martial law or about the enrichment of representatives of the prosecutor’s office”. – the statement emphasizes.