UP investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach detained in Vienna while on assignment

Mykhailo Tkach, head of the investigative journalism department at Ukrainska Pravda, has been detained in Vienna while carrying out an assignment from the editorial team in connection with the search for the fugitive prosecutor general Ruslan Kravchenko. We consider his detention unlawful and are demanding his immediate release and an official explanation from the Austrian law enforcement authorities.

Mykhailo was in Austria with his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko. At present, we do not know where Yaroslav is or what has happened to him. We demand that his whereabouts be established immediately and that his safety be confirmed.

The editorial team currently has no direct contact with Mykhailo. According to the information available to UP, he has been taken into custody and is in contact with a lawyer.

We have already informed the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria and the Austrian Embassy in Ukraine. We call on Ukrainian diplomats to take all necessary measures as a matter of urgency to protect our journalists, establish their whereabouts and facilitate Mykhailo's release.

We call on the Austrian authorities to immediately explain the grounds for Mykhailo's detention, ensure that he has access to legal and consular assistance, and allow him to contact the editorial team and his family.

We are also appealing to international journalism organisations and human rights organisations to support our colleagues and help protect their rights.

Mykhailo and Yaroslav travelled to Vienna to do their jobs as journalists. As editor-in-chief, I insist that journalists' safety and their right to carry out their professional duties must be guaranteed. We expect the Austrian authorities to act without delay, provide transparent explanations and fully respect our colleagues' rights.

Sevğil Musaieva

Editor-in-Chief, Ukrainska Pravda

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