Surveillance has become a focal point in Ukraine with several incidents highlighting concerns over privacy and security. Vitalii Shabunin, head of AntAC, reported being followed and released a video trying to identify his surveillants. Meanwhile, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) faces accusations of surveilling journalists, including employees of Bihus.Info. Allegations suggest that some surveillers were members of the Department for Protection of National Statehood and were later reassigned to the war front in Donbas. Bihus.Info suspects higher-level orchestration and possible rewards for those involved, but the SSU denies such claims. These developments underscore ongoing tensions about surveillance practices in Ukraine.
What recent surveillance issues have been reported in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, recent surveillance issues include Vitalii Shabunin of AntAC being followed, and journalists from Bihus.Info being monitored by SSU members. Further allegations suggest that some officers were moved to the front lines in Donbas after surveillance activities.
Who is Vitalii Shabunin and why did he report surveillance?
Vitalii Shabunin is the head of AntAC, an anti-corruption organization. He reported surveillance after noticing a man following him, which he documented through a video, calling for the identification of the individual involved.
How is the Security Service of Ukraine involved in the surveillance controversies?
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) is implicated in controversies for allegedly monitoring journalists, specifically the Bihus.Info team. Members of the SSU were reportedly involved in illegal surveillance and some were later transferred to conflict zones.
What claims have been made regarding journalist surveillance by Bihus.Info?
Bihus.Info claims that members of their journalistic team were under surveillance by SSU officers. They suggest that higher authority figures might have sanctioned these activities, although the SSU denies issuing such orders.
What international incidents regarding surveillance have been noted?
Internationally, a tracking device was discovered in a car used by the Polish President’s office. Additionally, a Russian submarine tracking device was found in Lithuania, adding to regional surveillance concerns.
What actions have been suggested in response to these surveillance activities?
Vitalii Shabunin and others have called for accountability and transparency in government activities. There are demands for investigations into who sanctioned the surveillance and for protective measures for journalists and public figures.
Have there been any legal or political consequences from the surveillance issues?
While specific legal consequences are still unfolding, the incidents have brought public scrutiny and political pressure on the Ukrainian government to address privacy concerns and regulate surveillance practices more strictly.
