Call for an end to Russian war crimes against journalists in Ukraine

(7 September 2023) The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), EPSU and over 20 other organisations are calling for action against the Russian Federation for the war crimes committed against journalists. The perpetrators should be held accountable. The Putin government has been deliberately targeting journalists, shelling their facilities and engaging in arbitrary detentions and torture. This violates international humanitarian law and press freedom. We urge authorities to take decisive steps to address these grave violations and provide increased support for front-line reporters. Along with the Coalition For Women In Journalism and EFJ, EPSU and the others are alarmed at the continued targeting of media workers in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The continuous deliberate shelling of journalists covering the war in Ukraine constitutes a flagrant international humanitarian law violation and a war crime under the Rome Statute and the 1949 Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and UN Security Council Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists and media workers in armed conflict. Indiscriminate attacks which fail to distinguish between military and civilian targets and affect journalists are also prohibited under international humanitarian law. Despite these clear international standards, Russian forces continue to intentionally target journalists, aiming to intimidate the press and suppress truth.

Five female journalists were killed and according to CPJ, at least 17 journalists have been killed on the frontlines in Ukraine.

For the full statement and the actions we call for, see here.