Ukraine: the Ugly Truth: Kiev's War Against Freedom of Speech [View all]

[newthinking]

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

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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/