PACE Recognizes Halting Russian Propaganda Broadcasting As Legitimate Defense: Comment From Kravchuk

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a resolution on September 30, addressing growing threats to media pluralism and the independence of the media. With 106 votes in favor, the resolution primarily tackles one major issue for European democracies: preserving independent and diverse media in the face of political and economic pressure, media ownership concentration, and the increasing influence of online platforms.

Ukrainian MP Yevheniia Kravchuk, a member of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE, provided insights to FREEДOM correspondent Oleh Borysov. Kravchuk highlighted that a substantial portion of the resolution focuses on Russia's crimes against Ukrainian media and journalists, as well as countering Russian propaganda. The resolution explicitly states that shutting down Kremlin propaganda channels is a legitimate defense measure, in line with the European Court of Human Rights' standards.

Kravchuk pointed out that at least 26 Ukrainian journalists are still unlawfully imprisoned by Russia, often due to fabricated charges and in conditions resembling torture and mistreatment. In her remarks, she specifically mentioned Iryna Levchenko, a journalist from Melitopol, who received a 15-year sentence for espionage. The resolution also emphasizes the need for accountability for the Russian Federation's crimes against media workers, naming Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was tortured to death in Russian captivity.

Kravchuk added that on October 1, special hearings with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will take place at PACE as part of the Victory for Victoria Day commemorative event, focusing on war correspondents and their role in reporting the truth about Russia's war against Ukraine.