Ukrainian journalists say they were detained “like terrorists”: prosecutor says suspicion unsubstantiated
Tkach says armed people smashed the car windows, forced the journalists onto the road, and put a knee on his neck during the detention.
Ukrainian investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach and cameraman Yaroslav Bondarenko were detained by Austrian police in Vienna on October 8. They were held for over 12 hours, the longest time Tkach had been detained while reporting abroad. The prosecutor's office stated that suspicion against the journalists had not been substantiated.
The incident occurred after seven masked individuals in the vicinity of central Vienna approached their vehicle, broke its windows, and pointed weapons at them without identifying themselves. The journalists were pulled from the car, searched, and had their hands cuffed behind their backs. Tkach described the experience as being detained like terrorists, with people shouting and pointing weapons while he was restrained.
The prosecutor's office spokesperson Nina Bussek said the suspicion arose from other investigations but was not substantiated. Austrian officials have not confirmed if the cases are connected. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry confirmed Tkach's release and said the Ukrainian consul requested access to him. A statement signed by Ukrainian media and civil society organizations called for an independent investigation into the law enforcement's actions, demanding an explanation of the force used, return of seized equipment, and necessary medical and legal assistance.
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