Rights groups condemn Ukraine media attacks

Human rights organisations have called for an end to media intimidation in Ukraine after a prominent opposition journalist was beaten by thugs and told to write articles in favour of the prime minister, Viktor Yanukovich.

Newspaper journalist Hennadi Rybchenkov was attacked as he returned home after covering a demonstration in support of the opposition presidential candidate, Viktor Yushchenko. He lost consciousness and was taken to hospital with head injuries.

Reporters Sans Frontieres said it was one of an "extremely high" number of serious physical attacks on journalists in Ukraine.

"The systematic impunity enjoyed by those responsible could become very dangerous for the entire press in the present political context," RSF said.

In a letter to the interior minister, Mykola Bilokon, the group added: "This attack was clearly motivated by Hennadi Rybchenkov's work as a journalist. We demand a rapid and thorough investigation leading to the identification and punishment of those responsible."

It is the second time Rybchenkov has been attacked. Alexandre Danutsa, news director and a presenter on TV-Stymul, was also assaulted on November 18.

Regional governments in eastern Ukraine continue to harass independent media organisations, according to the Organisation of Security and Co-operation (OSC), which has called on the government to guarantee the freedom of the press.

Broadcasts by Channel 5, a station owned by a key Yushchenko ally, have been blocked in several regions, while another channel, TV Era, has also had its broadcasts blocked by Ukranian authorities.

In addition, police seized 35,000 copies of a pro-opposition newsletter, Tviy Vybir.

"It is imperative that the local authorities in these regions cease harassment of the media, give it due protection and allow their citizens to have access to all voices, including those that might not be in line with the views of the majority of the population in the region," said an OSC spokesman, Miklos Haraszti.

Ukraine has been in crisis since a dispute over the presidential elections on November 21. Hundreds of thousands of Mr Yushchenoko's supporters poured into the streets of the capital to protest at the election of Mr Yanukovich amid claims of electoral fraud.

A new election may be held in the country to resolve the deadlock. However, Mr Yanukovich, has said he would back the new poll only if he and Mr Yushchenko ruled themselves out of the running.


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© The Guardian John Plunkett Tuesday November 30, 2004