Truth is Treason in a State Based on Lies: RIA Novosti Journalist in Ukraine Faces 15 Years
In an official statement, the Council of Europe condemned the detention of journalists in Ukraine. Our colleague Kirill Vyshinsky, the head of RIA Novosti Ukraine, was transferred to Kherson today. He's now in a confinement cell waiting for the decision of the authorities. Our Foreign Ministry sent two notes of protest to Kiev. Today, even Ukrainian journalists protested against the arbitrariness of the authorities. Meanwhile, the security police summoned 47 people for interrogation. Their new lists include the names of several journalists.
Alexander Evstigneyev with the details.
There is neither a photograph nor any footage of how Kirill Vyshinsky was transferred to Kherson. The Ukrainian police still hasn't shown the journalist, so his condition is unknown, even to his family.
Irina Vyshinskaya, wife: "I'm really worried about his physical and mental condition. I'll do everything I can to help him. I want some kind of verdict to get a better idea of how we should proceed".
Irina Vyshinskaya gives this interview in the very office where her husband was detained. She has already visited the Russian embassy in Kiev, where diplomats have already sent a note of protest. However, she's afraid to visit Kirill's apartment.
Irina Vyshinskaya, wife: "The apartment is under surveillance. As a woman, I don't feel comfortable going there alone".
She has a reason to be worried. Today, Kirill's Ukrainian lawyer confirmed that he had received anonymous threats urging him to give up on Kirill Vyshinsky. The last time he saw his defendant was in Kiev. He has been relocated to Kherson just recently. He didn't dare to drive here at night.
Andrey Domansky, lawyer: "If they decide to keep him in detention, we'll appeal their decision and prove this case of unlawful detention".
Ukrainian law enforcement officials are sure they've busted a whole journalist spy net because, during the search of the RIA offices, they managed to find St. George ribbons, a printed map of Novorossiya, and Russian medals, the most provocative one being a Medal for the Liberation of Crimea. The very fact of RIA's cooperation with the Moscow office is also incriminating.
Dmitry Gornostaev, RT Deputy Editor in Chief: "We're surprised and shocked to hear that they are being accused of treason. I can't call it anything but madness".
At least five apartments associated with the agency have been searched recently. Andrey Borodin's apartment had been thoroughly searched for 9 hours. No charges have been presented so far.
Andrey Borodin, RIA: "I can't understand why they needed to confiscate my personal belongings and personal funds that I stored in my personal safe".
Even some Ukrainian journalists consider the detainment of Vyshinsky a police provocation.
Svetlana Kryukova, STRANA.UA Deputy Editor in Chief: "They can bring bears, matryoshka dolls, and Russian dancers to their office, then take a photo, post it on the Prosecutor General website and say, 'They're a threat to national security.' I don't believe a single photo they published".
Moscow is sure that the RIA incident is a political provocation. The Ukrainian authorities are escalating the situation on purpose.
Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of Federation Council: "They are afraid of the truth. They are afraid of journalists exposing what's really going on in Ukraine. They do everything in their power in order to neutralize journalists".
The Investigative Committee of Russia has opened a criminal case.
Svetlana Petrenko, Investigative Committee: “Everyone has the right to express their opinions freely. This right includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference from public authorities and regardless of state borders".
According to Ukrainian legislation, Vyshinsky can get up to 15 years in prison for treason. During the investigation, it is prohibited to release the suspect on bail.
Alexander Evstigneev, Olga Alinkina Vesti.