(CJES/IFEX) – On 1 November 2006, in the city of Pyatigorsk in Stavropol region, an individual identifying himself as a local deputy blocked the vehicle in which three journalists were traveling, then insulted, assaulted, and threatened the three journalists within. The victims of the attack were correspondent Julia Bychkova and cameraman Roman Agaev, both of […]
(CJES/IFEX) – On 1 November 2006, in the city of Pyatigorsk in Stavropol region, an individual identifying himself as a local deputy blocked the vehicle in which three journalists were traveling, then insulted, assaulted, and threatened the three journalists within. The victims of the attack were correspondent Julia Bychkova and cameraman Roman Agaev, both of the Stavropol State Broadcasting Company’s Pyatigorsk TV television studio, and Diana Artyomova, a correspondent of the radio station Pyataya Vershina (The 5th Top).
Michael Lukash, head of the broadcasting company, told CJES that the journalists had just finished filming for a report on the complaints of inhabitants regarding local living conditions. As they attempted to leave the courtyard where the filming was conducted, their way was blocked by two cars. “The driver of one of the cars began to threaten the film crew, and then started to beat the camera operator, the two women journalists, and their driver. He declared that he was the local deputy, and that the journalists would have many problems if they broadcast the footage they had shot,” said Lukash, relaying the testimony of his employees.
Lukash also stated that assailants have filed a complaint about the incident with the Pyatigorsk Department of Internal Affairs. “Police are now investigating the attack, and we hope that the guilty will face punishment under the law,” he summarized.
The city’s Office of the Public Prosecutor informed CJES that a criminal case has been opened, based on the first clause of article 144 of the Criminal Code concerning interference with the lawful activity of journalists.
