**Ukraine‘s Press Freedom Under Scrutiny**
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written to President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for an end to press intimidation in Ukraine. The letter was sent on December 19.
**Concerns Over Government Actions**
The CPJ expressed concerns about government actions that are obstructing the work of media outlets. Online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda has been at the center of these concerns. The CPJ highlighted a pattern of restrictions over the past year, saying they “curtail the operations of a free press” and undermine Ukraine’s democratic values.
**Protecting Media Independence**
The CPJ urged President Zelensky to take immediate steps to protect media independence and address these issues. They emphasized that such actions are crucial for maintaining Ukraine’s international standing. The letter stated, “Any pressure on journalists is unacceptable.”
**Previous Concerns Raised by Reporters Without Borders**
This appeal comes after Ukrainska Pravda accused President Zelensky’s office of systematic attempts to influence its editorial policy in October. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had raised similar concerns earlier this year, reporting a decline in press freedom and increased state pressure on media autonomy.
**Concerns Over Harassment and Surveillance**
Media watchdogs have expressed concerns that investigative journalists continue to face harassment and surveillance years after incidents that drew public and international condemnation.