“The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is also a war against truth,” the Parliamentary Assembly declared today, urging the liberation of Ukrainian journalists unlawfully detained by the Russian Federation.
Adopting a resolution based on the report by Yevheniia Kravchuk (Ukraine, ALDE), the Assembly recalled that at least 26 journalists remain in Russian captivity, facing “fabricated criminal charges, violation of basic rights, torture, and even death”.
The Assembly demanded the “immediate release of all journalists detained in contravention of international law” and stressed that “journalists working in areas of armed conflict are civilians and are protected as such under international humanitarian law”. It also called for updated information on detainees’ whereabouts, and unhindered access for the ICRC and UN to places of detention.
Parliamentarians urged accountability through prosecutions under universal jurisdiction or before the International Criminal Court, alongside reinforced sanctions against Russian officials and detention facility heads responsible for violations. They also encouraged financial support for Ukrainian journalists and media outlets, and stronger international campaigning to highlight their plight.
Finally, the Assembly decided to establish an annual commemoration during its autumn session, named “Victory for Victoria” in memory of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian custody – a tribute to all journalists risking their lives to defend the right to truth and information.
