(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is seeking clarification with regard to the imprisonment of journalist Vladimir Efremov in Dnepropetrovsk (in Ukraine’s east). According to RSF’s information, on 13 January 1999, Efremov, editor-in-chief of the daily “Sobor”, was arrested and detained in the Dnepropetrovsk prison. Authorities have accused him of irregularities in the processing of a loan for […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is seeking clarification with regard to the imprisonment of
journalist Vladimir Efremov in Dnepropetrovsk (in Ukraine’s east). According
to RSF’s information, on 13 January 1999, Efremov, editor-in-chief of the
daily “Sobor”, was arrested and detained in the Dnepropetrovsk prison.
Authorities have accused him of irregularities in the processing of a loan
for the newspaper in 1995. In fact, this loan was entirely reimbursed, with
interest, in 1996, and the bank is not the instigator of the complaint.
The daily “Sobor”, considered close to former Prime Minister Pavlo
Lazarenko, is known for its critical stance towards President Koutchma and
his team. Since August 1998, the newspaper has been the victim of numerous
inspections by fiscal authorities and many journalists have been summoned by
the militia for questioning. Eight of them have been forced to resign
because of pressures from authorities. Efremov considers himself the victim
of a battle currently being waged by Koutchma’s entourage against media
considered close to Lazarenko, his main rival in presidential elections
expected in October 1999. The journalist began a hunger strike on 14 January
to protest his imprisonment.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Justice Minister:
activities as a journalist, constitute a gross violation of Article 10 of
the European Convention on Human Rights, of which her country is a signatory
through the Council of Europe
Appeals To
Ms. Susan Stanik
Minister of Justice
Ukraine
Fax: +380 44 229 66 64
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
