06/01/2022 13:14

The Commissioner appealed to the leadership of the National Police of Ukraine with a demand for decisive prompt action in the investigation of the beating of journalist Igor Vorobyov

During the media monitoring, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights revealed information that on January 5, 2022, unknown individuals attacked Anton Vorobyov, a journalist with the Kremenchug News TV and Radio Company, who was filming a story at the Central District Hospital. Ambulance doctors called to the scene took him to the neurosurgery department of the city hospital, where he was diagnosed with a closed head injury, concussion, soft tissue contusion of the chest and left shoulder.

According to these facts, a pre-trial investigation has been launched in criminal proceedings with the legal qualification provided for in Art. 356 (arbitrariness) and Part 2 of Art. 345-1 (threat or violence against a journalist) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The Ombudsman points out that in 2021, according to the Institute of Mass Media, 197 cases of violations of freedom of speech were recorded in Ukraine, 145 of which related to physical aggression against journalists. However, the courts handed down only ten sentences.

"Only the inevitability of punishment can stop this wave of lawlessness. After all, freedom of speech and the existence of civil society in Ukraine are impossible when physical force is used against journalists, "Lyudmyla Denisova stressed.

The Commissioner appealed to the leadership of the National Police of Ukraine with a demand for decisive prompt action in the investigation of the beating and obstruction of the professional activities of journalist Igor Vorobyov. The Ombudsman is convinced that the investigation into attacks on members of the media should be under the personal control of the Head of the National Police of Ukraine.