CPJ Urges Probe into Alleged Targeting of Ukrainian Journalist by Military Officials

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for a thorough investigation into recent events involving Ukrainian military officials’ alleged attempt to serve an investigative summons to Yevhen Shulhat, a journalist associated with the Ukrainian investigative outlet Slidstvo.Info. The incident, reportedly orchestrated by Ukraine’s Internal Security Service (SBU), is believed to be in retaliation for Shulhat’s investigations into the real estate assets of Ilya Vityuk, the head of Ukraine’s cybersecurity department.

According to reports from Slidstvo.Info and other local media outlets, on April 1, 2024, two officers from a local military recruitment office approached Shulhat while he was grocery shopping, attempting to hand him a notice to report to their office. Shulhat’s questioning and recording of the officers regarding potential links to his probe into Vityuk’s property holdings prompted their abrupt departure. However, the circumstances surrounding the event suggest a deviation from established procedures outlined in Ukrainian law.

CCTV footage examined by Slidstvo.Info revealed the officers entering the supermarket accompanied by a civilian, identified as an SBU representative. This individual pointed out Shulhat before departing, after which the officers addressed Shulhat by name and informed him of the need to update his personal information with the recruitment board, citing his recent 27th birthday.

The incident has elicited widespread reactions within military, political, and media circles. Several Ukrainian organizations and media outlets issued a joint statement on April 7, urging the President, the Ministry of Defense, and the SBU to initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for the targeted recruitment operation. Subsequently, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced the commencement of a criminal case, overseen by the Ukrainian State Bureau of Investigation, for possible abuse of authority and obstruction of journalists’ professional activities by SBU and military recruitment office personnel. Additionally, the head of the SBU’s cybersecurity department was suspended pending the investigation, while the head of the military recruitment office was demoted on April 9.

Despite Ukraine’s progress in promoting press freedom and media pluralism, the country still faces significant challenges in this area. With a rank of 79th out of 180 nations in Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 World Press Freedom Index, Ukrainian journalists remain targets for attacks and abuse by Russia, as well as cases of harassment from authorities within their own government. International organizations such as the International Press Institute have documented a concerning trend of state-backed intimidation and harassment against investigative journalists in Ukraine. The case of Bihus.Info serves as a notable example, where the SBU covertly recorded some employees consuming drugs during a New Year’s celebration, subsequently leaking the footage to discredit the organization. Despite assurances to uphold press freedom, doubts remain about the genuine commitment of Ukrainian authorities to this fundamental principle.

If you like this law news, share it with a friend!