The National Police of Ukraine have launched a pretrial investigation following a complaint from MP Iryna Herashchenko regarding alleged censorship faced by journalist Yevhen Lesnoy. Lesnoy, who previously worked at a marathon television channel, claimed to have encountered restrictions on his professional activities there. The case has been entered into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations, marking a formal step in the legal process.
Lesnoy, who resigned from the channel, alleged that his ability to report freely had been compromised due to censorship in the media environment. The journalist’s claims have sparked discussions about the state of media freedom in the country, with political figures and media organizations expressing their perspectives on the issue. Herashchenko, a member of the European Solidarity faction, has called for accountability, stating that the police should investigate the matter thoroughly.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring freedom of the press, particularly in the context of ongoing political and social changes in Ukraine. The investigation could have broader implications for the media landscape, as it may set a precedent for cases involving alleged censorship and professional restrictions. As the probe progresses, it will be crucial to monitor the outcomes and their impact on the journalistic community in Ukraine.