Brussels, 11 October 2024 — The European Union has expressed its outrage following reports of the death of Ukrainian freelance journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died while in Russian captivity.
Her death has drawn widespread condemnation and highlighted the dangers faced by journalists covering Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Roshchyna, an award-winning journalist known for her courageous reporting, is the latest media professional to lose their life amidst the ongoing war.
Roshchyna was detained by Russian authorities in August 2023 while working in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Despite repeated calls for her release, she remained in Russian custody for over a year before her reported death while being transferred to Moscow from a prison in Taganrog. This brings the number of journalists killed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to 13, with Roshchyna’s death becoming a poignant symbol of the risks that media workers face while reporting in conflict zones.
Courageous Journalism in the Face of Conflict
Roshchyna was widely regarded for her brave and unwavering commitment to reporting on Russia’s war in Ukraine. She was recognised for her work with the “Courage in Journalism Award,” a prestigious honour that highlighted her determination to expose the brutal realities of the war. Her reports offered vital insights into Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukrainian territories and the immense suffering endured by the Ukrainian population under occupation.
Her death highlights the perilous conditions faced by journalists reporting from areas under Russian control. The European Union has renewed its call for the protection of media professionals in conflict zones, emphasising that they must be able to carry out their work free from the threat of violence or retaliation.
EU Demands Independent Investigation
In a statement released by the European Union’s delegation to Ukraine, officials called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Roshchyna’s death. The EU emphasised that Russia, having arbitrarily detained the journalist, bore full responsibility for her safety, health, and well-being while she was in custody.
The statement expressed the EU’s concerns about the repression faced by thousands of people, both in occupied Ukrainian territories and in Russia itself, noting that her case serves as a tragic reminder of the human rights violations occurring in these regions.
The EU strongly condemned the Russian authorities for their treatment of Roshchyna and for the broader repression of journalists in the context of the war. “For those covering the frontlines, safety and protection must be ensured at all times,” the statement read. The EU also underscored its opposition to the widespread harassment, intimidation, and violence targeting media workers and vowed to hold Russia accountable for human rights abuses committed in connection with its war against Ukraine.
Ongoing Repression of Journalists
The death of Viktoria Roshchyna sheds light on the broader repression of journalists by Russian authorities. Throughout the war, media workers have faced an array of dangers, including arbitrary detention, physical attacks, and death. The EU’s statement condemned the online and offline harassment of journalists and reiterated its firm commitment to upholding press freedom in conflict zones.
Journalists are often the only source of information for the international community about the realities of war and occupation, and their ability to report independently is essential. The EU warned that the ongoing repression of journalists risks silencing these vital voices, leaving the truth about the war’s impact on civilians hidden from the global public.
No Impunity for War Crimes
The European Union has vowed to ensure that there is no impunity for war crimes committed against journalists and other civilians in the context of the war in Ukraine. The EU has consistently condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and it reiterated its commitment to holding all perpetrators accountable for violations of international law.
The call for justice for Roshchyna follows several other cases where journalists have been targeted as part of the wider conflict. As the war continues, international organisations, including the EU, have stepped up efforts to document human rights abuses, gathering evidence that may eventually lead to prosecutions.
A Sobering Reminder
Viktoria Roshchyna’s death is a powerful reminder of the many lives lost during the war, not only among journalists but also among civilians and soldiers. Her dedication to her profession and her commitment to telling the world about the horrors of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earned her widespread respect.
Her tragic death has cast a spotlight on the need for stronger international measures to protect journalists working in conflict zones. As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the European Union and other international bodies are likely to continue pressing for accountability and justice for those whose lives have been taken in the pursuit of truth.
The European Union’s statement concluded with a solemn pledge to continue supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression and to remain vigilant in ensuring that those responsible for war crimes are brought to justice. The EU’s resolve to uphold human rights, particularly for journalists and media workers, remains steadfast in the face of ongoing violence and repression.
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