(WAN/IFEX) – In a 10 February 2002 letter to President Leonid Kuchma, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their grave concern at an acid attack on journalist Tatiana Goriatcheva. According to reports, Goriatcheva, chief editor of the newspaper “Berdiansk Delovoj” in Berdiansk, was attacked on 28 January outside her home by an unknown man […]
(WAN/IFEX) – In a 10 February 2002 letter to President Leonid Kuchma, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their grave concern at an acid attack on journalist Tatiana Goriatcheva.
According to reports, Goriatcheva, chief editor of the newspaper “Berdiansk Delovoj” in Berdiansk, was attacked on 28 January outside her home by an unknown man who threw hydrochloric acid in her face. Goriatcheva suffered burns to her face and may lose her sight unless operated on quickly. Her colleagues believe that the attack might be related to her professional activities, in particular the municipal elections scheduled for 31 March.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– reminding him that it is the duty of the state to provide an environment in which journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without fear of attack and intimidation
– noting that such incidents foster a climate of fear that inhibits journalistic investigation and can promote self-censorship
– calling on him to ensure that the attack on Goriatcheva is thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice
– urging him to do everything in his power to protect journalists who are exercising their right to inform
Appeals To
His Excellency Leonid Kuchma
President
Kiev, Ukraine
c/o Permanent Representative to UN
E-mail: ukraine@un.int
Please copy appeals to WAN.
