Law Enforcement Condemned for Attacks on Journalists in Ukraine
Ukraine -- Wounded Reuters photographer Gleb Garanich, who was injured by riot police, takes pictures as riot police block protesters during a demonstration in support of EU integration on Independence Square in Kyiv, November 30, 2013
Law Enforcement Condemned for Attacks on Journalists in Ukraine
The OSCE has documented over 40 cases of physical assault directed against local and international journalists covering the protests in Ukraine and reportedly perpetrated by law enforcement officers.
Noting the scale of violence against members of the media covering the week's demonstrations, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja
Mijatović said in a statement issued today:
“I am especially concerned that in most of the cases, the beatings were
reportedly conducted by the law enforcement officers who attacked the
journalists and disregarded their press identification. Violence against
journalists cannot be tolerated. ”
Mijatovic's office reports that more than 40 journalists representing national and international media outlets, including Ukrainskaya Pravda, 5 Kanal, 1+1, Euronews, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, The Associated Press, The New York Times, were physically assaulted and severely injured while covering the public protests in Kyiv.
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Anti-Government Rallies Continue In Ukraine
Supporters of EU integration have continued their protests in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, with thousands of demonstrators rallying against President Viktor Yanukovych's government. The rally has grown after police brutally broke up a demonstration on November 30.
