06 June 2024
June 6 is Journalist’s Day
Today is the day of professionals who, like no one else, know the value of words, as well as the value of weapons in this war. It is the day of professionals whose eyes are among the first to see the truth, and whose call of heart spreads it to the whole world, blocking the loopholes for occupation propaganda. Democracy dies where there is no freedom of speech, and they—journalists—know this best. That is why the occupiers were one of the first to destroy freedom of speech in occupied Crimea and take full totalitarian control of all media resources.
Journalist’s Day, a day dedicated to a constant witnesses to events both in civilian life and on the front line, is not only a day of honor for media professionals but also a day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives in the information struggle, as well as a reminder of those who have been captured for their independence, truthfulness, and expression of their opinion. Despite intimidation, harassment, and ultimately the threat of illegal imprisonment by the so-called “administration” of occupied Crimea, journalists continue to bring the truth, important pro-Ukrainian narratives, and powerful messages to readers on the peninsula, on the mainland of Ukraine, and around the world. This is the story of a journalist, civic activist, and human rights defender, Liutfiie Zudiieva, who continues to work after her detention and received the “Honor of the Profession” award.
The Mission emphasizes that, as of June 4, 2024, the Russian Federation has illegally imprisoned 218 people, at least 16 of whom are journalists, civic journalists, and bloggers. We remind you of the names of those who became political prisoners for covering human rights violations and freedom of speech in occupied Crimea: Iryna Danylovych, Osman Arifmemetov, Oleksii Bessarabov, Tymur Ibrahimov, Remzi Bekirov, Vilen Temerianov, Marlen (Suleiman) Asanov, Nariman Dzhelyal, Rustem Sheikhaliiev, Server Mustafaiev, Vladyslav Yesypenko, Amet Suleimanov, Asan Akhtemov, Ruslan Suleimanov, Seiran Saliiev, and Dmytro Shtyblikov.
The media landscape of the peninsula was purged almost immediately after the occupation. The policy of destroying independent media deprives Crimean residents of access to alternative information, creating a propaganda bubble. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, it became even more difficult to obtain objective information from occupied Crimea, and changes in the legislation of the Russian Federation made it much easier for the Russian Federation to harass the media and facilitate the formation of lists of so-called “extremists”, illegally extending this to the temporarily occupied territories. This practice also applies to ordinary Ukrainian citizens who publish information or opinions unfavorable to the occupiers on social media.
The Mission expresses its gratitude for the dedication and fearless work under threat to every person whose report covers the war crimes of the aggressor state, committed, in particular, on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula. We believe that freedom of speech will soon return to Crimea, and journalists from all over the country will freely share the victories and accomplishments of our society and state in the international space.
It is important to remember that the consolidation of the world in the struggle against evil is the product of quality journalism, which, together with education and culture, forms national memory and awareness.