The US human rights group Freedom House said that press freedom is under attack in Ukraine, with government officials pressing journalists to only write stories that portray the country in a positive light and approving acts of intimidation against reporters who deviate from official narratives.
Press freedom is under attack in Ukraine, with government officials pressing journalists to only write stories that portray the country in a positive light and approving acts of intimidation against reporters who deviate from official narratives, the US human rights group Freedom House said on Monday.
“While ongoing reforms are strengthening the legislative environment for media houses and journalists in Ukraine, the government’s questionable commitment to media independence threatens to undermine future progress,” the group stated.
The report cited Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko’s public statements that journalists should only write “positive” reports about the country.
In addition, the report noted words of praise from Interior Minister Arsen Avakov for a website that published personal details of journalists who had been accredited to cover Russian speaking areas in eastern Ukraine that are seeking greater autonomy from Kiev.
The right group also warned of new government restrictions or pressure on reporters in Australia, Cambodia, Gambia, Kenya and the Philippines.