Ukrainian Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach detained in Austria: editorial office demands explanations from authorities

In the Austrian capital of Vienna, according to Ukrainska Pravda, the head of the investigative journalism department of the publication Mykhailo Tkach was detained. The journalist was abroad on an editorial assignment. The editorial office claims a possible violation of his rights and calls on the Austrian authorities to immediately explain the reasons for the detention.

What is known about the journalist’s detention

According to the publication, Mykhailo Tkach, together with his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko, arrived in Vienna to conduct a journalistic investigation related to the search for ex-prosecutor Ruslan Kravchenko.

While in Austria, Tkach was detained by local law enforcement officers. According to preliminary information, the journalist is in custody and is communicating with a lawyer.

At the same time, the editorial office reports that it is unable to establish direct contact with Tkach. The whereabouts of his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko also remain unknown.

The official reasons for the detention and legal grounds for the application of appropriate measures are not yet specified.

“Ukrainska Pravda” appealed to diplomats

After being informed about the incident, the editorial office informed the Ukrainian Embassy in Austria and the Austrian Embassy in Ukraine.

The journalists called on Ukrainian diplomats to establish the whereabouts of both employees, ensure the protection of their rights, and facilitate the release of Mykhailo Tkach.

The editorial office appealed to the Austrian law enforcement agencies with a demand to provide an official explanation of the reasons for the detention, provide the journalist with access to legal assistance, and the opportunity to contact his family and colleagues.

In addition, the publication called on international journalistic and human rights organizations to join in protecting the rights of their employees.

The editorial office claims a violation of journalists’ rights

The editor-in-chief of “Ukrainska Pravda” Sevgil Musayeva emphasized that both journalists were in Vienna solely to perform their professional duties.

According to her, the safety of media representatives and the right to engage in journalistic activities must be guaranteed regardless of the country of residence.

The editorial office insists on the need for an immediate response from the Austrian authorities, a transparent explanation of the circumstances of the incident, and respect for the rights of the detainee.

Legal aspect of detention

According to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, everyone has the right to freedom of expression, in particular to receive and disseminate information.

At the same time, journalistic activity does not exempt from compliance with the legislation of the host country. The legality of detention depends on the specific circumstances, its legal grounds, and compliance with established procedures.

Article 5 of the Convention guarantees the right to liberty and personal integrity and provides for procedural guarantees for detained persons.

As of the time of the initial notification, the official position of the Austrian law enforcement agencies regarding the circumstances of the detention of Mykhailo Tkach has not been provided.

The editorial office of Ukrainska Pravda is awaiting clarification and assistance from diplomatic institutions.