Ukrainian and Russian journalist Kirill Vyshinsky spent 470 days in custody. 470 days of interrogation, pressure, threats, and risk of remaining in prison for 15 years on charges of treason, but in practice - for an independent position regarding people in the Donbass and the criminal policy of the Ukrainian authorities against their own people.
The decision to release Kirill Vyshinsky on bail before the court considered the case welcomed, without exaggeration, the entire world journalistic community. This happens when the absurdity and far-fetchedness of the accusations does not raise any doubts. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Arlem Desir, called for all charges against Cyril to be dropped at the next hearing in the case, which will be held on September 16. A similar position was expressed by the Committee to Protect Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists - large and reputable international associations.
Independent journalism is a very dangerous profession. More than 250 journalists go to jails around the world every year, and 70% of the total are in only five countries: Turkey, China, Egypt, Eritrea and Saudi Arabia. They are arrested either without charge or for statements that contradict the official state line.
14 journalists were killed or died as a result of violent acts during the eight months of this year, including the Ukrainian Vadim Komarov, who investigated corruption among local officials, who was beaten in the center of Cherkasy on May 4.
In 2018, the creepy death counter settled on the number 54, among which were our colleagues from Russia - Alexander Rastorguev, Orkhan Dzhemal and Kirill Radchenko, who died in the Central African Republic. No less loud was the story of Jamal Khashukji, who was killed at the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul.
Journalist Ivan Golunov was detained in the center of Moscow and presented to the public as a real drug lord. Yes, fortunately, this story ended well, but for several days he was facing a long prison term: in fact, for violating the sensitive interests of several influential people.
At the same time, investigative journalism always violates someone’s interests and leads people out of the shadows who are resisting the glory that is unnecessary for them.
I hope that the story of Kirill Vyshinsky will end with his acquittal and punishment of the people who fabricated this case. Over the entire history of independent Ukraine, 72 journalists have been killed, and for many episodes, the customers of these crimes have not been identified. You can recall George Gongadze, Pavel Sheremet or Ekaterina Gandzyuk. Therefore, if the new government seeks to show its otherness, it should open things up, contrary to the interests of its oligarchic elites, and make the journalist feel protected.
Well, before Cyril it is necessary to apologize and compensate him for the damage caused, although it is incredibly difficult to compensate 470 days spent in custody.
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.