The Rada is trying to pass the scandalous draft law 10242 again: the media community is sounding the alarm
17 December 2024 23:34
The Verkhovna Rada is once again returning to the consideration of draft law No. 10242, which previously drew sharp criticism from journalists, media movements and NGOs. According to media expert and head of the NGO Detector Media Natalia Lygachova, the bill is scheduled to be considered tomorrow, and its key provisions have remained virtually unchanged, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
As a reminder, the document provides for increased criminal liability for disclosing confidential information from public registers. Journalists and activists emphasize that if adopted, this could make it impossible for the media to control financial flows, in particular those aimed at donor programs and the reconstruction of the country.
It is noted that draft law No. 10242 provides for up to 8 years in prison for making confidential information from public registers freely available to an indefinite number of people.
That is why, if the bill is passed, most investigations may be banned.
“Tomorrow, the Rada is supposedly going to pass draft law 10242 in almost unchanged form.
The one that will make it virtually impossible for the media to control financial flows, including donor funds, in particular for reconstruction. Because it would increase criminal liability for disclosing confidential information from public registers. Almost the only thing that has been changed is the reduction of the sanction under part three of Article 361-2. Now it is not a serious crime,” said Ligacheva.
According to her, the problem is that under the pretext of protecting confidential information, threats to freedom of speech and the work of journalists are actually created.
The media movement and a number of civil society organizations have already issued an updated statement urging MPs not to adopt this document.
“The media movement and civil society organizations, the media have just issued an updated statement.
The link is in the first comment. Make it public, join us. According to the statement, “this draft law continues to pose significant threats to freedom of speech, the work of journalists, the protection of journalistic sources and corruption whistleblowers in Ukraine,” Ligacheva emphasizes.
The journalists call on the public to publicize the situation and actively oppose the adoption of the law.
The statement of the media community reads:
“This draft law continues to pose significant threats to freedom of speech, the work of journalists, and the protection of journalistic sources and corruption whistleblowers in Ukraine. The draft law increases criminal liability for unauthorized dissemination of confidential information. By this, the legislator means placing confidential information from public registers in the public domain or other actions that create the possibility of free access to such information by an indefinite number of persons. This definition is contained in a note to Article 361 of the Criminal Code, and it has not changed since the text was put to vote two weeks ago.”
The journalists emphasize that control over the use of public and donor funds is a key element of transparency and accountability of the authorities. Draft law No. 10242, if passed, will significantly complicate these processes.
