RSF calls on Ukrainian authorities to investigate the pressure on journalist Olena Mudra
The international human rights organization "Reporters Without Borders" condemned the online smear campaign against a journalist and called on the Ukrainian authorities to investigate these acts as soon as possible. This is stated in the organization's tweet.
Earlier, Olena Mudra, investigative journalist from Zakarpattia, reported being doxxed and facing pressure due to her professional work. This happened following her article about staff changes at the State Environmental Inspection in Zakarpattia oblast, which was published by Zakarpattia Online.
She told IMI that she has contacted the police, but the pressure has not stopped. According to Olena's statement, the inquiry department of the Uzhhorod District Police Department of the National Police in Zakarpattia oblast has opened a case under Part 2 of Art. 171 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ("Obstructing legal professional work of journalists") on March 10.
As Olena told IMI, on March 14, the same unknown user posted a video on YouTube and social media; the video is edited from her photos and has a caption which, in her opinion, is discrediting. Some of these posts were later deleted as well. The journalist passed this new information to the police as well.
The journalist added that the Freedom of Speech Committee at the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has also expressed interest in the persecution she was facing.
Screenshots provided by Olena Mudra
Help us be even more cool!
