Media Movement Statement on Pressure and Threats Against Journalists of Texty.org.ua

We, Ukrainian journalists and media organizations, participants of the Media Movement, are shocked and categorically condemn the wave of pressure, slander, and threats received by independent Ukrainian media "Texty" (Texty.org.ua).

Media Movement Statement свобода слова, редакційне, дезінформація, сша, тиск на ЗМІ

On June 6, "Texty" published a study titled "American Swings: From Trumpists to Communists, Who and How Advocates for Halting Aid to Ukraine." The study analyzed the political, media, and expert environment in the United States, which influences decision-making about further support for Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The study contains a list of organizations and individuals in the U.S. who oppose supporting Ukraine. "Texty" did not condemn their right to freedom of expression but merely stated the fact that they are against supporting Ukraine and that many of their arguments resonate with Russian propaganda narratives about Ukraine.

Following the publication of the study, "Texty" faced a massive wave of hate, threats, calls to cut off their funding, and various other forms of pressure. All this intense pressure on the Ukrainian research media comes from representatives and supporters of the Republican Party of the USA, who should defend freedom of speech as a fundamental component of democracy and to be a reference for other countries.

A coordinated attack on independent media undermines the core principles of a democratic society. If someone disagrees with journalists' materials, they should express their point of view, refute, or dispute them, but to threaten journalists with violence, neither call to include them in terrorist lists, nor exert financial pressure to silence them.

We call on the U.S. Congress and Senate:

  1. To cease the pressure on Texty.org.ua and not exploit Ukrainian media for internal American political competition in the run-up to the upcoming elections in the USA.
  2. To demonstrate that you truly support the principles of freedom of speech and preparedness to defend independent media by revoking decisions that could limit the freedom of expression of the independent Ukrainian press.
  3. To conduct own investigation and determine whether the facts outlined in the Texty.org.ua publication do demonstrate the dissemination of narratives resonant to aggressive Kremlin propaganda in the United States.

The spread of false information, aggressive propaganda, and fake news in one's interests is one of the ways the Russian Federation attacks Ukraine and the Western countries that help counter Russian aggression. We call on the free, democratic society of the United States for the affirmative support of the independent journalism that sheds light on ways Russia conducts its information warfare against democracy worldwide, including in the USA.

Millions of Ukrainians have fallen victim to aggressive Russian propaganda and genocidal rhetoric, including direct calls for the destruction of our cities and murder of our citizens. At this critical time for our country, we highly appreciate the support of the government and the people of the USA, who provide Ukraine with financial and military assistance, because protecting truth and democratic values is our common goal.

The Media Movement also calls on international organizations, governments, and civil society to strengthen support for Ukraine in its fight for independence. Our joint struggle with partners against tyranny and authoritarianism should serve as an example for the entire world.

For reference. The Media Movement is a community that has united journalists from leading Ukrainian media, investigative journalists and experts from independent media organizations. Media movement was launched on February 5, 2019.

The Media Movement Memorandum was first signed by Suspilne, Ukrainian Radio, Hromadske Radio, Ukrinform, Interfax-Ukraine, Liga.net, ZN.ua, NV, Censor.net, Ukrayinska Pravda, and many others leading Ukrainian media. The movement also includes leading Ukrainian media NGOs, such as the IMI, Detector Media, Independent Media Council, Internews Ukraine, National Media Association, Center for Democracy and the Rule of Law, Suspilnist Foundation, Donetsk Institute of Information, Pylyp Orlyk Institute of Democracy, Zmina Center for Human Rights.

Other organizations and journalsits joined later – over 70 members in total. On November 16, 2021, top media outlets called on journalists to unite within the professional community "Media Movement" to resist political and commercial pressure on freedom of speech. The statement was initiated by 29 journalists and experts whose names are available here.

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