Statement of PEN Ukraine regarding Russian sanctions list
PEN Ukraine is deeply concerned about the inclusion of our colleague, member of PEN Ukraine, a well-known journalist and publicist Vitaly Portnikov in the sanctions lists of the Russian Federation.
It is worth mentioning that on November 1, 2018 the Government of the Russian Federation adopted the Resolution on imposing sanctions towards 322 Ukrainian citizens and 68 companies.
Among the listed persons there is the name of Vitaly Portnikov, who is no politician or civil servant, nor a media manager or businessman. His entire professional activity is focused exclusively on journalism and publicism.
Therefore, his inclusion in the sanctions lists of the Russian Federation, the purpose of which is to influence the activity of the listed persons, PEN Ukraine views this as an attempt to impose pressure on him due to his professional activity.
PEN Ukraine considers this step of the Government of the Russian Federation as a threat to the journalist and calls on the international community to acknowledge the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation as unacceptable and directed against the freedom of speech and media freedom.
Photo: 24tv.ua
Statement signed:
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