(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the launching of legal proceedings against journalist Oleg Liachko. According to RSF’s sources, on 28 December 1998, the Petcherskiy (Kiev) municipal court ordered the arrest of Liachko, who is editor-in-chief of the weekly “Politika”. The journalist is accused of “slander” and “misuse of office” (Articles 125 and […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the launching of legal
proceedings against journalist Oleg Liachko. According to RSF’s sources, on
28 December 1998, the Petcherskiy (Kiev) municipal court ordered the arrest
of Liachko, who is editor-in-chief of the weekly “Politika”. The journalist
is accused of “slander” and “misuse of office” (Articles 125 and 126 of the
Penal Code) further to the publication of articles which suggested
wrongdoing by three high ranking police officials. At least two other
complaints are currently filed against the newspaper.
RSF recalls that the opposition weekly “Politika” has not appeared on a
regular basis since May 1998. The publication’s bank accounts have been
frozen by the public prosecutor’s office following a series of articles
concerning individuals close to President Leonid Koutchma. The matter was
submitted by the newspaper to the Supreme Court of Kiev last December and
the court found the mesure to be illegal.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Justice Minister:
prison sentence for a violation of the press laws to be a disproportionate
penalty to the prejudice suffered by the victim of the crime. Such a measure
represents a flagrant violation of Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights, of which her country is a signatory through the Council of
Europe
the case
Appeals To
Ms. Susan Stanik
Minister of Justice
Ukraine
Fax: +380 44 229 66 64
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
