15:06

Comment by the Information and Press Department on Pavel Sheremet’s murder in Ukraine

1346-20-07-2016

We are shocked by the cynical murder of Russian citizen Pavel Sheremet in central Kiev. He was a known and respected journalist in Russia and a top professional.

Being a man of principle, Sheremet often criticized the authorities. He clearly expressed his views in his speeches and publications. They often did not coincide with the official positions but despite this difference in views Sheremet had never been threatened in Russia with physical harm for his professional activities.

Regrettably, his move to Ukraine proved fatal. Sheremet became yet another victim of the system that has taken shape in that country today. The current Ukrainian authorities, who are backed up by their Euro-Atlantic patrons for their alleged successes in implementing democratic reforms, failed to ensure his security.

As it often happens in today’s Ukraine, some Russophobic people immediately found a “Russian trace” in this cruel murder.

This is far from the first tragic death of a journalist in Ukraine. No convincing results have been produced on the vases of Georgy Gongadze, Oles Buzina and journalists killed in the conflict area in southeast Ukraine. We hope that the chain of unpunished murders will finally be severed. We expect an unbiased and meticulous investigation of these crimes and punishment for all their culprits.

Russia has repeatedly drawn the world community’s attention to Ukraine’s violation of its commitments to honour freedom of speech and protect human rights. We are urging all relevant international agencies and human rights organisations to use all their influence on Kiev to make Ukraine observe the fundamental principles of international law on ensuring the security of journalists.

We convey our deep condolences to the family and friends of Pavel Sheremet and express our sympathy with the entire journalistic community.