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Alert

Journalist harassed, assaulted by police in Kyiv

(IMI/IFEX) - Criminal proceedings have been opened by the Shevchenkivsky district prosecutor's office against individuals who impeded the work of the press at the Ukrainsky dim centre in Kyiv.

On 8 April 2010, journalist Serhiy Kutrakov, who works for Noviy Kanal TV, was forcibly removed from the exhibition centre where he was covering a photo exhibit called "Volyn massacre: Polish and Jewish victims of OUN-UPA". Kutrakov was photographing demonstrators who were shouting nationalist slogans. He was injured as a result of guards removing him from the scene.

Kutrakov said the security guards pressed him against a door and pressed his eye with their fingers. Police officers did not intervene to stop security personnel. The incident was filmed and broadcast by Noviy Kanal.

An official with the Kyiv police, Volodymyr Dmytrenko, suggested that Noviy Kanal TV journalists should avoid such situations so they do not get into trouble with the police.