In Ukraine strengthened responsibility for obstructing the work of journalists

The protection of journalists while carrying out their journalistic activities is guaranteed by Law No. 421-VII "On amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine on strengthening the guarantees of the lawful professional activities of journalists". Recently the document was signed by the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. About the rights of journalists guaranteed by law, and liability for interference with their activities, says the human rights activist and member of the NGO "Community Development" - Yuriy Tatomyr.
 
Informing people about events in society today is extremely important, but often dangerous. Recent changes in legislation protect journalists while carrying out their professional activities. Now for obstructing the work of journalists is included not only disciplinary, civil or administrative liability but also criminal liability. In particular, the law establishes criminal liability for threat or violence against the journalist, intentional destruction or damage of property of a journalist. The legislation also stipulates criminal responsibility for the decision of the judge knowingly unjust decision, verdict, finding or order for the purpose of preventing lawful professional activities of journalists.

"In addition, the legislation introduces a payment from the state budget of compensation in case of death of the journalist in performing his professional duties, or in case of injuries occurring during the performance of professional duties. In the case of the death of the journalist in performing his professional duties, members of his family will be paid a lump sum allowance in the amount of 100 times the subsistence minimum, in case of injury of a journalist – provided assistance amounting to 50 times the subsistence minimum" - informs a lawyer Yuriy Tatomyr.