Vienna, 26/10/2017
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed deep disapproval after learning that several journalists experienced physical attacks and equipment damage by members of the riot police in Kyiv on 24 October.
Media workers were covering protests outside Svyatoshyn district court, when members of the riot police stormed the building, attacking at least three journalists according to reports. Dmytro Replyanchuk from Hromads’ke TV, Serhii Lefter from UNIAN and Kyrylo Mylyshev from Strana.ua were repeatedly hit and jostled, and their equipment was damaged.
“We strongly condemn the physical brutality used against members of the press during these protests” Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General stated. “We call for an investigation to be launched and for the perpetrators of the attacks to be penalized. We cannot allow for innocent persons doing their jobs to experience such vile and brutal attacks on their safety” Vujovic added.
SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe.