Observers concerned about attacks against media in Crimea

Observers concerned about attacks against media in Crimea

Media freedom defenders report on-going attacks against journalists and warn of an "information crisis" in Crimea as Russian forces control all media outlets in the peninsula.

Dozens of journalists have been assaulted and beaten in Crimea during the last month, according to international and local media monitoring groups. [AFP]

International media monitors and NGOs working on media freedom issues say harassment of reporters, attacks on media outlets in Crimea and the shutdown of six Ukrainian channels constitute a concerted effort to deprive the population of objective news sources.

Self-defence units and paramilitary forces in Crimea are abducting, attacking, and harassing activists and journalists, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported. Local authorities in Crimea have a responsibility to ensure these forces cease their actions, disband, and disarm, the organisation wrote.

"Crimean authorities are allowing illegal and unidentified armed units to run the show in the peninsula, and to commit crimes that go uninvestigated and unpunished, as if there is a legal vacuum," said Rachel Denber, HRW's deputy director for Europe and Central Asia. "The local authorities have clear legal obligations to provide protection and security to those in their jurisdiction."

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Crimea's illegitimate government has "censored" at least 18 independent regional and Ukraine-based broadcasters since March 3rd.

Leading independent broadcasters, including Ukraine TV stations, Channel 5, Channels 1+1 and Inter, were taken off the air and were dropped by cable providers "substituted with that of Russian state-controlled TV...