‘Stop Censorship!’ Movement Supported by Assembly of Small and Medium Business Non-Governmental Organizations of Ukraine
‘Stop Censorship!’ Movement Supported by Assembly of Small and Medium Business Non-Governmental Organizations of Ukraine
Assembly of Small and Medium Business Non-Governmental Organizations and Partnership Business Associations of Ukraine provided support to ‘Stop Censorship!' movement. Follows the complete text of the open letter:
Open Letter from Assembly of Small and Medium Business Non-Governmental Organizations and Partnership Business Associations of Ukraine Supporting ‘Stop Censorship!' Movement of Organizations of Ukrainian Journalists
In the recent months, violations of basic civil rights occur in Ukraine, the chief one being the right to obtain complete and impartial information. Under the conditions of total economic recession, it was the good activity of mass media that allowed the society to duly respond to new challenges and to assess the actions of the authorities and made businesses able to lay at least general plans.
Now, the Sword of Damocles is hanging over the freedom of information in Ukraine. We are talking about monopolization of the air, preparation of reports by leading national channels on pre-made text (only the video is shot), prospects of leading informational channels' deprivation of frequencies and licenses, and sequestration and inspection of other channels that do not appear to the authorities helpful in the struggle for electorate.
We have seen it all before.
Kidnapping and bashing of journalists have once again become common news headlines.
As in business, corporate raidership has become a trademark of domestic information market.
Unfortunately, lack of respect of the authorities towards journalists is also becoming more common. However critical a journalist's question would be, in a democratic state, an official is obliged to give an answer to it. The most common reply in this country is "Let me pass!"
In response to the address of journalists' organizations, the authorities reiterate the same populist slogans meanwhile restructuring the information field according to their own needs.
We totally support ‘Stop Censorship!' movement and assert that small and medium business of Ukraine is ready for joint actions together with ‘Stop Censorship!' directed at the defense of freedom of speech in Ukraine.
