Ukrainian journalists start campaign of solidarity with Mykola Semena

Ukrainian media organizations, as well as individual journalists, support the petition of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine to the Russian authorities to allow the Crimean journalist Mykola Semena to exit to the territory of the mainland Ukraine for medical treatment.

The relevant address by the Union is sent to the government of the Russian Federation. Also, the Union appealed to the Association of Journalists of Russia, the International Federation of Journalists and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović to speak in support of Mykola Semena.

We need to mention that against this journalist, a criminal case was launched, and he is under undertaking not to leave.

Here is the full text of the petition to the Russian government by the National Union, written originally in Russian:

«To the Government of the Russian Federation

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine hereby petitions you to expedite the settlement of the situation related to the well-known Crimean journalist Nikolai Semena.

Our colleague has an extensive experience of cooperation with renowned mass media of Ukraine and Russia, is a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, and is also Merited journalist of Ukraine (awarded in 2009).

Because Nikolai Semena is a pensioner, his state of health makes it hard for him to endure the trial in a Russian court and to protect his rights (and he is now under investigation in the case, which scrutinizes his publications).

International and European federations of journalists also express their solidarity with our Crimean colleague. Also, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović expressed her concern about the case against Nikolai Semena.

We appeal to you with a request to permit Nikolai Semena to leave Crimea to the mainland Ukraine for medical treatment.

First Secretary of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine Serhiy Tomylenko

The petition is also signed by:

NGO «Detector media» (headed by Natalia Ligacheva)

NGO «Institute of mass information» (executive director Oksana Romaniuk)

NGO «Center for Democracy and Law Supremacy» (director Taras Shevchenko)

Independent Media Trade Union of Ukraine (acting head Serhiy Shturkhetsyi)»