The decision of the Ukrainian government to ban dozens of foreign journalists to enter the country on the grounds that they represent a threat to national security, is an attack on freedom of expression, as states Amnesty International.
"The decision on sanctions against dozens of journalists creates a dangerous precedent. The space for journalists and, accordingly, public access to information is significantly limited," said Denys Krivosheyev, Deputy Director, Europe and Central Asia Programme at Amnesty International. "It is also a disturbing attack on the journalists' freedom of movement. Ukrainian government should take the necessary measures to ensure full and free access for journalists covering the situation in the country," he added.
President Poroshenko signed a decree, which includes 388 persons, who are “actual or potential security threats”. Those enlisted to face entry bans, freezing of their financial assets, etc.
President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov, Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, Russian officials involved into annexation of Crimea and Donbas war, and some European politicians who agreed to come to observe the illegal referendum in Crimea and elections in the militants-controlled parts of Donbas, are also blacklisted by Ukraine.
