In Mariupol, members of rayon election committee would not admit journalists to session

In Mariupol (Donetska oblast), Illichivsk rayon election committee did not admit to its sessions the representatives of mass media and OSCE. The OPORA website informs about this incident.

On October 5, the election committee had a session. When it started, journalists from Mariupol TV channel came in and wanted to take some footage. The head of the committee asked the journalists to leave, and they responded that according to the law "On local elections" they have a right to conduct their professional duties. Several OSCE mission representatives also came in, and also were asked to leave. According to the committee chair, both journalists and OSCE observers "were late", and for this reason had to leave. He also said that earlier the committee resolved not to admit those who are late, regardless of their status.

As the analysts of "Committee of Ukrainian Voters" consider, this resolution is in direct conflict with the requirements of the Ukrainian law "On local elections" and on the basic democratic principles set out in the Ukrainian Constitution.