Every crime against journalists will be investigated qualitatively, - Igor Klymenko
Igor Klymenko noted that the safety of media representatives, timely response to cases of threats to freedom of speech and qualitative investigation of crimes related to the professional activities of journalists are among the priority tasks of the police:
“We are ready to systematically report on the state of investigation of crimes of this category before the newly created Council on Freedom of Speech and Protection of Journalists. In addition, as agreed, we will meet quarterly with representatives of the National Union of Journalists to discuss problematic issues.”
Also, the Head of the National Police informed about the progress of investigations of crimes against journalists and told about the result of processing the appeal of the National Union of Journalists on violations of the rights of media representatives during 2017-2019:
“Of these 199 cases, investigators of the National Police initiated 152 criminal proceedings. Eight of them have been prosecuted by the security authorities and the SBI, while 42 cases are currently under pre-trial investigation. And 28 proceedings have already been directed to the court with the indictment,” Igor Klymenko noted.
Also, the Head of the National Police noted that sometimes there are difficulties with the application of specialized articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. For example, it is not always immediately possible to determine whether the motive of the crime is connected with the professional activity of the journalist.
“All facts of illegal activities against journalists are carefully checked by the police and, if there are legal grounds, enter information into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations on specialized articles. By the way, the heads of territorial units of the National Police are also present at the hearings. Therefore, I emphasize once again that the investigation of crimes of this category is under my personal control and I will systematically listen to the heads of police in the regions regarding the conduct of the investigation in these criminal proceedings,” Ihor Klimenko summed up.
