(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has urged the Ukrainian authorities to investigate a death threat made against local television journalist Angelika Nesterchuk, on 16 March 2005, in the city of Jitomir (130 km west of Kiev). The threat stemmed from Nesterchuk’s investigation into allegations of corruption involving the mayor and a construction company. Nesterchuk, who hosts the […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has urged the Ukrainian authorities to investigate a death threat made against local television journalist Angelika Nesterchuk, on 16 March 2005, in the city of Jitomir (130 km west of Kiev). The threat stemmed from Nesterchuk’s investigation into allegations of corruption involving the mayor and a construction company.
Nesterchuk, who hosts the “Jitomir News” programme on the state broadcaster’s regional station, Gosudarstvennoe Radio I Televidenie, was threatened by an individual waiting in the stairwell of her apartment building on 16 March.
In a letter to Interior Minister Yuri Lutsenko, RSF said it expected “a transparent and thorough” investigation into the threat. “It is alarming that such gangster-like methods to try to intimidate journalists are still used. [Nesterchuk] must have immediate protection,” the organisation added.
The individual waiting in Nesterchuk’s apartment building warned her, “Don’t talk about ‘Merkuri’ or you will be buried under its foundations,” referring to plans to build the huge “Merkuri” shopping centre in Jitomir. Nesterchuk was working on four reports about illegal building permits allegedly granted by Jitomir Mayor Georgy Buravkov. The journalist was preparing to expose the construction company that had reportedly bribed authorities to receive the necessary building permits.
“Since this threat, I have preferred not to name the construction company,” Nesterchuk told RSF. “I hope the mayor will take the necessary measures to ensure my protection during the protest we are organising,” she added, referring to a demonstration due to take place on 22 March outside City Hall to protest the mayor’s alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
