The Verkhovna Rada adopted an appeal to the governments of the world calling on them to increase pressure on the Russian Federation due to crimes against journalists
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted an appeal to the parliaments and governments of the European Union and NATO member states, the United Nations, the parliamentary assemblies of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, as well as international organizations, calling on them to increase pressure on Russia over crimes against journalists. Resolution No. 14175 was supported by 247 people’s deputies, reported by People’s Deputy Yaroslav Yurchyshyn.
Ukrainian parliamentarians call on international partners to intensify political, diplomatic and sanction pressure on Russia in connection with numerous crimes against media representatives, to expand personal sanctions against persons involved in the persecution, torture and murder of journalists, as well as to introduce additional restrictions against states that cooperate with the Russian Federation and support its terrorist regime.
In addition, the deputies propose to strengthen international efforts to release journalists who are in captivity, restrict access of Russian state and propaganda media to international platforms and ensure control over compliance with international information security standards.
The explanatory note to the resolution notes that, according to the Institute of Mass Information, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has committed 858 crimes against journalists and media workers in Ukraine. 118 journalists have died, including 15 while performing their professional duties, and 103 as participants in hostilities or as a result of shelling and torture. At least 27 journalists are in Russian captivity.
The deputies emphasized that the protection of journalists is a moral and legal obligation, as well as an indispensable condition for ensuring the right of society to reliable information during wartime.
