SSU initiates proceedings over illegal wiretapping and filming of Bihus.Info representatives
The Security Service of Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation into the wiretapping of representatives of the investigative journalism project Bihus.Info.
This is stated in a commentary by the SSU press service, Censor.NET reports.
"The Security Service of Ukraine is investigating the circumstances of illegal wiretapping and video recording of representatives of the Bihus.Info project. Criminal proceedings have been opened under Article 359 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal acquisition, sale or use of special technical means of obtaining information).
The SSU believes that transparent and unimpeded work of independent and professional media is an important condition for the development of Ukraine as a democratic state. Such facts of surveillance should be legally assessed, regardless of whether or not the covert footage disclosed facts of possible violations of the law relating to drug trafficking," the statement said.
They noted that only law enforcement agencies within their jurisdiction can make an assessment of this.
The day before, a video was posted online showing Bihus.Info employees allegedly using drugs at a New Year's corporate party. The founder of the project, Denys Bihus, noted that the video showed part of the team, namely the cameramen. According to him, the journalists did not use drugs.
"The team is aware of the severity of the situation. Of course, the wiretapping and surveillance were illegal, and the goals of those who recorded are clear. But this is no excuse for what we saw on the video - namely, the use of illegal substances by several of our colleagues," the team said.
Bigus later said that the Bihus.Info team members had been under surveillance for about a year. And the New Year's corporate party was part of a security operation.
