Ukraine: Journalists Sevgil Musaieva and Sonya Lukashova Threatened With Death For Reporting Government 'Exaggerations' About Russia's Crimes
Location: Ukraine, Kyiv Date: July 5, 2022
Sevgil Musaieva, and Sonya Lukashova, chief editor and correspondent of the independent Ukrainian news website Ukrainska Pravda, were threatened online and via phone calls after the portal published an investigative report on a recent political official’s dismissal. The report pertained to alleged war crimes committed in Ukrainian areas under Russian occupation. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) calls on Ukrainian authorities to conduct an investigation swiftly into the threats and ensure the journalists’ safety.
On June 27, Ukrainska Pravda revealed an investigative report, signed by Sonya, about a government official, ombudsman Lyudmyla Denisova’s dismissal of the alleged ‘exaggerated’ reports she provided to the press about the deaths of civilians in Ukrainian areas under Russian occupation. Days after the story aired, the journalists received hostile phone calls and messages on social media. Chief editor, Sevgil received a message on Facebook that said, “Sevgil, I have a feeling your throat is going to be cut. I don’t know who and when – but run.”
After the publication of the article, journalists began to receive death threats in publications open on social networks, through private messages, and by phone calls. Speaking to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Sevgil said most threats were submitted anonymously but added that some of the profiles had real usernames. “My job is, to tell the truth, no matter what the truth is, I don't choose sides,” the chief editor told CPJ.
The names of the two journalists were also listed in a database run by the Ukrainian nationalist website Myrotvorets, which published their personal information and accused them of using “so-called journalistic activity” to support Russia. Website data shows that Sonya’S page was updated or created on June 27, and Sevgil’s on June 30.
In 2016, Myrotvorets published the names, information, and contact details of more than 5,000 Ukrainian, international reporters and media professionals who applied for press accreditation to work in separatist areas. All were labeled “terrorist collaborators,” according to local press reports at the time.
Ukrainian nationalists have used information from the site to identify targets of threatening text messages and emails, including threats of physical violence and death, according to CPJ research.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled by the threats that journalists received due to their journalistic activities. Ukrainian security officials must open a swift investigation into the threats and find the perpetrators immediately. We call authorities to ensure journalists’ safety. Since the invasion started in Ukraine many journalists face challenges to do their job and they should be protected. In 2022 CFWIJ documented thus far that three women journalists were killed while reporting the war in the field. Two of them were held captive and the other two were physically assaulted during the attacks by Russian forces. These figures are quite alarming and the safety of journalists must be ensured.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.
