MOSCOW, April 10 (RIA Novosti), Daria Chernyshova – The International Federation of Journalists has assured RIA Novosti that Ukraine’s discrimination against Russian journalists will be addressed and brought to the attention of authorities in Kiev.
“I have informed our members in Russia and Ukraine to follow up on these reports and consider making representation to Ukrainian authorities to ensure that there is no discrimination in allowing Russian bona fide journalists into Ukraine,” said Ernest Sagaga, the head of the organization’s Human Rights and Safety Office.
“There appears to be an attempt to control access to information rather than anything else and we don't think it's a good idea nor in the interest of Ukraine,” he said.
“That is why we shall bring these reports to the attention of the authorities in Ukraine and urge them to lift any restrictions on journalists wishing to report on the situation there,” Sagaga said.
Several Russian journalists have been denied entry to Ukraine under the pretext of “not having enough cash” or an “inability to substantiate the purpose of the visit.” A de-facto ban on the entry of Russian journalists into Ukraine is gaining steam.
On Wednesday, the editor-in-chief of the Russian Pioneer magazine and a special correspondent for the Kommersant newspaper was denied entry to Ukraine. The border guards said the journalist lacked sufficient financial resources even though he had 1,000 euros in cash, while by law a traveler to Ukraine is required to only have 400 euros.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian border guards removed RIA Novosti correspondent Andrei Malyshkin from a train heading to the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk, with the same “not enough cash” comment from officials. RIA Novosti photographer Alexei Kudenko was also prevented from entering the country after arriving at the Donetsk airport on Tuesday.
“As a general principle, free press access to any country of the world is a value that I endorse,” Richard Gunther, Professor Emeritus at Ohio State University told RIA Novosti, adding that freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy.
IFJ also said they were aware of Ukraine’s concerns claiming anti-Ukraine bias in some Russian media. “But, again, banning journalists from entering the country is only likely to lead to reporting based on speculation and hearsay information,” Ernest Sagaga told RIA Novosti.
“We urge all journalists covering developments in Ukraine to bear witness to the basic tenets of professional journalism based on truth telling, impartiality and restraint from causing harm,” Sagaga called on journalists.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has repeatedly criticized Ukraine’s refusal to allow Russian journalists onto its territory and other widespread infringements on press freedom by the country’s new authorities.
The OSCE also said that such incidents run counter to obligations that Ukraine had undertook as a member of the organization, including under the Helsinki Final Act.
