The US-based non-governmental organisation Committee to Shield Journalists (CPJ) has expressed concern over the Safety Service of Ukraine (SSU) opening a legal case following the discharge of an article by the impartial media outlet Ukrainska Pravda.

Supply: a press release on the CPJ web site

Particulars: The Committee notes that the SSU opened a legal case on 28 January for "disclosure of state secrets and techniques" after Ukrainska Pravda posted an article containing a press release made by Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), throughout a closed session of the Ukrainian parliament.

An unnamed supply cited by Ukrainska Pravda mentioned that Budanov acknowledged, "If there are not any critical negotiations by the summer season, harmful processes may unfold, threatening Ukraine’s very existence." Nevertheless, DIU later denied this assertion.

Quote from Gulnoza Mentioned, CPJ's Europe and Central Asia programme coordinator: "CPJ is worried about Ukraine’s opening of a legal case for 'disclosure of state secrets and techniques' based mostly on Ukrainska Pravda's reporting. Ukrainian authorities should decide to respecting the confidentiality of sources and chorus from placing strain on impartial journalism."

Extra particulars: The Committee was unable to verify whether or not the SSU had opened a case towards particular people however famous that the penalty for disclosing state secrets and techniques is as much as eight years in jail.

CPJ has requested the SSU and DIU for feedback however has not but obtained any responses.

CPJ recalled that in October 2024, Ukrainska Pravda issued a press release indicating that it was dealing with "sustained and systematic strain" from the Ukrainian President's Workplace.

The CPJ assertion additionally talked about that in December 2024, the Committee despatched a letter to Zelenskyy urging him to make sure that journalists and media shops may function freely in Ukraine and that these liable for intimidating journalists had been held accountable. As of February 2025, the letter stays unanswered.

For reference: The Committee to Shield Journalists (CPJ) is an impartial, non-governmental organisation based mostly in New York, with correspondents worldwide. CPJ advocates for press freedom and works to guard the rights of journalists.

The American Journalism Overview has referred to the organisation because the "Crimson Cross of journalism".

Because the late Nineteen Eighties, CPJ has printed an annual census of journalists killed or imprisoned in reference to their work.

Beforehand: After Ukrainska Pravda posted the article, which talked about remarks made by Ukraine's spy chief Kyrylo Budanov at a closed assembly within the Ukrainian parliament, SSU investigators opened a legal investigation underneath the cost of revealing info constituting a state secret.

Quote from Sevgil Musaieva: "We act throughout the legislation and strictly adhere to skilled requirements of journalism. Ukrainska Pravda, as at all times, stands by its sources of knowledge, which is assured by the present laws of Ukraine and worldwide legislation. Freedom of speech and public entry to info are key values of a democratic society. Ukrainska Pravda stays true to its rules and can proceed to do its job with integrity and accountability."

Background:

• In an article printed by Ukrainska Pravda on Monday, 27 January, Trump, struggle, elections: what’s going to form the brand new season in Ukrainian politics, it was reported that Kyrylo Budanov mentioned at a closed assembly of the leaders of parliamentary factions and representatives of the army command that except critical negotiations on ending the struggle are held by the summer season, processes may very well be triggered that will be harmful for Ukraine.
• One of many assembly’s attendees instructed Ukrainska Pravda on situation of anonymity: "What stood out essentially the most was Budanov's response. Somebody requested him how a lot time we’ve left. Kyrylo, together with his calm smile, replied: 'If there are not any critical negotiations by the summer season, harmful processes may unfold, threatening Ukraine’s very existence."
• Ukraine's Defence Intelligence has denied that Budanov talked about threats to Ukraine's existence on the assembly.

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