OSCE Representative expresses serious concern about lasting pre-trial detention of journalist Kirill Vyshinsky in Ukraine

VIENNA, 29 October 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his serious concern over the lasting pre-trial detention of bureau chief of RIA Novosti Ukraine, Kirill Vyshinsky, which has been extended twice already since July, and hopes that the upcoming court proceeding will lead to his release on 4 November 2018, when his current detention is scheduled to end.

In May 2018, the Ukrainian security services raided the office of RIA Novosti Ukraine and arrested its chief, Kirill Vyshinsky, on charges of high treason. In July 2018, Vyshinsky was presented with additional charges of illegal handling of weapons. His pre-trial detention was extended in July 2018 and again in September 2018, and his current detention should end on 4 November. In June and October, the appeal courts also rejected the journalist’s request to be released from pre-trial detention.

“I hope that Kirill Vyshinsky’s pre-trial detention will not be further extended and will therefore end on 4 November 2018,” Désir said. “I call on the Ukrainian authorities to expedite the investigation on the serious charges brought against Vyshinsky, and to conduct such an investigation in full compliance with the principles of rule of law, necessity and proportionality.”

The Representative reiterated that the fight against propaganda must not fall short of international standards on freedom of the media and should not interfere with media activities.

“Journalists have the right to freely express views and opinions, including dissenting views, and to report on issues that could be considered controversial, sensitive or offensive. Under no circumstances should they be targeted in retaliation for their journalistic work,” Désir said.

The Representative has earlier raised his concern on this case: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/381370