We, Ukrainian media and public organizations, journalists, members of the Media Movement, condemn the actions of Andriy Portnov, former MP and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Viktor Yanukovych.
Andriy Portnov threatens the Skhemy editorial office, Radio Svoboda’s investigative journalism program, with publishing “their detailed personal information,” as well as “looking into their private life and arranging for discreet escort during the dark hours.”
In his telegram channel, Andriy Portnov has already posted the personal data of the driver of the film crew scrutinizing the activities of the ex-official, namely his full passport data, home address, car plates, and data indicating that that there is surveillance of his place of residence.
Portnov has also posted the plates of three more cars of the editorial office, and also called for violent action against investigative journalists, saying:
“.. I don’t give a sh. about your odious Svoboda Radio, and about all your concerns. I am publishing the data of three more of your cars that are engaged in illegal activities. Everyone who finds these three cars should know that you have the right to forcefully repel their illegal activities. And we will provide you with free legal aid.”
We categorically condemn such actions by politician Portnov, regarding them as encroachment on freedom of speech and believing that they contain the signs of a criminal offense.
Specifically, Andriy Portnov disclosed personal information and threatened physical harm to journalists investigating his connections with the new government.
Such acts contain the signs of a crime under Art. 171 of the Criminal Code (obstruction of the lawful professional activity of a journalist) and under Art. 345-1 of the Criminal Code (threat or violence against a journalist).
We express our support for the editorial office of Radio Svoboda’s Skhemy program and believe that the investigation into Andriy Portnov’s influence and his connections with the Ukrainian authorities causing the politician’s pressure on the editorial office, is socially significant information.
We call on the Ukrainian authorities and law enforcement agencies to bring Andriy Portnov to justice and ask that security be guaranteed with regard to journalists and employees who find themselves under pressure as a result of their professional journalistic work.
Media Movement
Institute of Mass Information
Detector Media
Internews Ukraine
Souspilnist Foundation
NV Radio
Regional Press Development Institute
“Behind the News”
ZMINA
Pylyp Orlyk Institute for Democracy
Nataliia Lyhachova, head of NGO Detector Media
Svitlana Ostapa, deputy editor-in-chief of Detector Media
Gai Geldiyev, journalist
Iryna Syedova, journalist and human rights activist
Svitlana Yeremenko, executive director of POID
Oksana Romaniuk, executive director of ІМІ
