MEPs call for investigation into tragic death of journalist Roshchyna in Russian captivity
Russia should stop intimidation of journalists due to the initiation of criminal cases against them, and the circumstances of the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian custody, should be investigated by an independent commission. These issues were discussed during a debate in the European Parliament dedicated to the protection of journalists’ rights.
The rapporteur from the European Commission, Vopke Hukstra, emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough and independent investigation, which will help clarify all the details of Roschyna’s death. He also called on Russia to stop using the criminal system for politically motivated persecution of journalists and other citizens.
Hukstra noted that the death of Viktoria Roshchyna during the transit to Moscow from the Taganrog prison is another example of how Russia ignores its international obligations. The Russian authorities bear full responsibility for Roshchina’s life and safety after her arbitrary detention in the occupied territories in August 2023.
The speaker also drew attention to the recent actions of the FSB of Russia, which initiated criminal cases against journalists covering the events in the Kursk region. Hoekstra said that 14 journalists have already been charged with frivolous charges, which is yet another attempt to intimidate media representatives and prevent them from fulfilling their professional duties.
The MEPs emphasized that, according to international humanitarian law, journalists are civilians and their protection must be guaranteed during any conflict.
According to the Council of Europe, since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February 2022, at least 16 journalists and media workers have been killed in the line of duty, and another 40 have been injured. “Reporters Without Borders” reports that since the beginning of the full-scale war, more than 100 journalists have become victims of Russian crimes, 35 of them were injured, and 12 were detained. Russia also closed 233 media organizations in the occupied territories.
