Ukraine: the Ugly Truth: Kiev's War Against Freedom of Speech

[newthinking]

September 02, 2014
Kiev's War Against Freedom of Speech
Ukraine: the Ugly Truth
by VLADISLAV GULEVICH

[font size=2]
The US State Department has given its support to the military operation undertaken by Kiev in Donbass. Jen Psaki, spokesperson for the US Department of State, stated that Kiev has the right to secure order and peace on its territory.

How Ukrainian authorities secure order and peace, Jen Psaki should ask the people of Donbass. But Western journalists prefer not to speak with the people living in the war zone. They avoid citing any word which could cast doubt on Kiev`s policy.

On the other hand, they easily rely on official Ukrainian sources and repeat their false, office-made “news” about Russian aggression and rebels killing their own population. Although only insane people would kill those who give them food and other support, a support essential to the Donbass guerillas, the myth about rebels killing their own families is still alive.[/font]

--SNIP

[font size=2]Secondly, Ukrainian forces are arresting journalists and people making videos, and treating them as criminals. Kiev has unleashed a real war against freedom of speech. Any video or text criticizing the Ukrainian government is considered as “support for Donbass terrorists.” Making such videos means risking your life or freedom.

This affects journalists beyond Donbass as well. The Security Service of Ukraine (the equivalent of the American FBI) pays regular visits to intractable reporters and throws them in prison with no scruples. Recently my empty apartment in Kirovograd was visited by agents of the Security Service of Ukraine. I was lucky enough to be in Russia but my neighbors were questioned about me.[/font][/font]

[font size=2]Vladislav Gulevich is a Ukrainian journalist and political analyst who has recently
fled to Russia. He can be reached at [e-mail][/font]

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http://www.counterpunch.org/2014/09/02/ukraine-the-ugly-truth/

[msongs]

1. putin is a good teacher nt

[newthinking]

2. Reporters without Borders: Ukrainian parliament approves very dangerous draft law on first reading

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025475152

This bill would essentially make official what is already been done in the shadows using threat and intimidation in Ukraine.
http://en.rsf.org/ukraine-ukrainian-parliament-approves-very-12-08-2014,46793.html

Ukrainian parliament approves very dangerous draft law on first reading
Published on Tuesday 12 August 2014.


It would allow the government to close media and block websites on national security grounds without a court’s permission

Reporters Without Borders condemns the draconian restrictions on freedom of information envisaged in a draft law that the Ukrainian parliament approved on first reading today.

If adopted, the proposed law would allow the National Security and Defence Council (RNBO) to suppress the dissemination of any national or international media or block any website on the grounds of protecting “security and national interests” without referring to a court.

The sanctions envisaged by the bill – whose second reading is scheduled for later today – include “limiting or banning the activity of media or other sources of information, including on the Internet” and “banning the production or dissemination of any printed product or other informational content.”

It also says “the broadcasting of television or radio stations” and “the use of Ukrainian broadcast frequencies” can be banned.

Drafted by the government, Draft Law No. 4453 was only registered with parliament on 8 August, four days before today’s first reading. Its laconic impact study tersely says: “The bill does not require consultation with civil society.”

Full Text:
http://en.rsf.org/ukraine-ukrainian-parliament-approves-very-12-08-2014,46793.html

[Nitram]

3. If you are so concerned about free speech...

Why don't you discuss Putin's crackdown of free speech? Why the focus on Ukraine? Could it be you support the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

[newthinking]

4. Because everyone knows about that.

duh.

You hit right on the crux of the issue with Ukraine.

Breaking through the propaganda. It is the false narrative about Ukraine that is contributing to the suffering of people there. If we were dealing with the situation honestly we would be putting pressure on Kiev just like we are Russia and there, forcing the Kiev administration to put the fascists in jail and change the government to an honest one, and make them stop the war.

We kicked it off by regime change and that is what started this ball rolling. All we are doing is making the situation worse.

But while everyone knows about Putin's regressive policies they have a distorted picture. It is not so black and white as the narrative. He does not want to take Kiev or Lithuania etc. That part of the information you get is Shock Doctrine.

[Nitram]

5. Putin wants a land bridge to Crimea

and a weak, unstable Ukraine. He doesn't want or need Kiev. That's a straw dog.

[Vine Gatherer]

6. So,

what's the name of your show on RT? Not a subscriber, but I'm sure there are clips on YouTube.