IMI director: Russia has killed 94 journalists in Ukraine since 2014
Russia has killed 94 journalists in Ukraine since the start of the Russо–Ukrainian war in 2014, said the Institute of Mass Information director, Oksana Romaniuk, at a memorial event dedicated to the 24th anniversary of the murder of Ukrainian journalist Heorhiy Gongadze on September 16 in Kyiv.
"94 journalists have died since 2014, they were killed by the aggressor state. And just as the murder of Heorhiy Gongadze caused a sharp rise in the demand for justice in the society, so the deaths of our colleagues show how important it is to report on the Russian aggression. It seems to me that people were not so aware of the importance of anti-corruption journalism, of investigative journalism, which is one of the foundations of our media landscape today, before Heorhiy was murdered. It enabled journalists to unite, and the first active journalistic organizations emerged," said Oksana Romaniuk.
According to the IMI director, today the journalist community is united by the desire to convey information about Russia's crimes to the world.
"Now we are united to document Russia's crimes. For the world to learn about the tragedy in Bucha, the destruction of Mariupol, the people tortured in Kherson, the destroyed railway station in Kramatorsk, or the Okhmatdyt shelling strike. It is crucial to document all this, to keep the international community informed, one of the goals being to finally see justice delivered: so that the evil is punished, Ukraine has enough weapons, the aggressor finally sits on the bench at the international tribunal. Thanks to the work of journalists, there is hope for this," she said.
Oksana Romaniuk also added that journalists risk their lives every day, not only in the trenches, but also by reporting on the activities of those who are still engaged in corruption and criminal machinations.
"Support journalists! This profession really is very important, worthy of respect. I would like to urge my colleagues to support each other as well, including media support. To report on oppression, the investigation findings, to monitor lawsuits. In this way, we can make some changes for the better. I hope we will see them," concluded Oksana Romaniuk.
For reference: a temporary Heorhiy Gongadze Memorial Alley was opened on Kontraktova Square (in front of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy) in Kyiv on September 16, 2024. It is a series of banners with information about the life of the Ukrainian journalist and his contribution to independent journalism and the formation of a self-aware society.
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