On April 8th, the Press Service of the Office of the Prosecutor General announced on their Telegram channel that criminal proceedings have been initiated in regards to an incident that occurred during the delivery of a summons to «Slidstvo.Info» investigator Yevhen Shulga.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on April 6th, when Shulga was attempting to deliver a summons to a witness in a high-profile case. The witness, who is also a suspect in the case, allegedly refused to accept the summons and physically assaulted Shulga.
The Office of the Prosecutor General has stated that they take this incident very seriously and have launched a criminal investigation into the matter. They have also condemned any form of violence or obstruction of justice.
This incident has caused a stir in the Ukrainian media, with many expressing concern over the safety of journalists and investigators in the country. The Ukrainian National Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the attack on Shulga, calling it a «clear violation of press freedom and the rule of law.»
The Office of the Prosecutor General has assured the public that they will do everything in their power to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the case and to bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
This isn’t the first time that violence against journalists and investigators has made headlines in Ukraine. In 2016, Pavel Sheremet, a prominent journalist and critic of the Ukrainian government, was killed in a car bombing. The case remains unsolved, and many have raised concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.
The incident involving Shulga serves as a reminder of the dangerous and challenging work of investigative journalists in Ukraine. They play a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding those in power accountable.
Unfortunately, attacks and intimidation against journalists and investigators are not uncommon in Ukraine. In 2020, Reporters Without Borders ranked Ukraine 97th out of 180 countries in their Press Freedom Index, citing physical attacks and harassment as major concerns.
Despite these challenges, journalists and investigators continue to carry out their work with bravery and determination. The Office of the Prosecutor General’s decision to launch a criminal investigation into the incident involving Shulga sends a strong message that attacks on press freedom will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, the Office of the Prosecutor General’s initiation of criminal proceedings in response to the attack on «Slidstvo.Info» investigator Yevhen Shulga is a positive step towards upholding press freedom and the rule of law in Ukraine. It is important for authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and investigators, and hold those responsible for attacks accountable. The media plays a crucial role in a democratic society, and it’s essential to protect and support those who work tirelessly to uncover the truth.