’Ukrainska Pravda’ journalist Mykhailo Tkach was detained in Vienna whilst on editorial assignment
Mykhailo Tkach, head of the investigative journalism department at "Ukrainska Pravda", was detained in Vienna whilst carrying out an editorial assignment. The publication considers the detention unlawful and is demanding his release.
This is stated in a statement by Sevgil Musaeva, editor-in-chief of "Ukrainska Pravda", as reported by Censor.NET.
What is known
According to the editorial team, Tkach was in Austria with his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko. There is currently no direct contact with Mykhailo, but, according to available information, he has been taken to a detention centre and is being represented by a lawyer. The editorial team does not know Bondarenko’s whereabouts or what has become of him.
"Ukrainska Pravda" considers the detention to be unlawful. The publication has already informed the Ukrainian Embassy in Austria and the Austrian Embassy in Ukraine.
The editorial team’s demands
In its statement, the editorial team demands:
- to release Tkach immediately and provide an official explanation of the actions taken by the Austrian law enforcement authorities;
- to establish Bondarenko’s whereabouts without delay and ensure that he is safe;
- to ensure that Tkach has access to legal and consular assistance, as well as the opportunity to contact his editorial office and his family.
The publication has asked Ukrainian diplomats to take all necessary measures as a matter of urgency to protect the journalists, ascertain their whereabouts and facilitate Tkach’s release. The editorial team has appealed to international journalism and human rights organisations to support their colleagues and help protect their rights.
"Mykhailo and Yaroslav travelled to Vienna to carry out their work. As editor-in-chief, I insist that the safety of journalists and their right to practise their profession must be guaranteed. We expect the Austrian authorities to take immediate action, provide transparent explanations and ensure that all our colleagues’ rights are respected," Musaeva emphasised.
As a reminder, ‘Ukrainska Pravda’ previously published Tkach’s investigation into the whereabouts of former Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko in Vienna, where, according to the publication, he and his wife had registered in the Austrian residence register.
