SBU explains how cases against telegram channels with subpoenas are qualified
27 May 2024 20:08
EXCLUSIVE
The Security Service of Ukraine responded to a request from Kommersant Ukrayinsky 
regarding methods of dealing with Telegram channels that disseminate information about the places where summonses are issued.
We asked how the Service acts in relation to the administrators of such channels and how the actions of these administrators are qualified in further investigations and proceedings.
The SBU claims that the publication of information about the places where subpoenas are issued is illegal.
“The publication of information about the locations of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under martial law may contain signs of a crime under Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations during a special period),”
– the response reads.
If the SBU specialists detect signs of a crime, they begin to act in two directions: removing the content and identifying the channel administrator. Sometimes contacting the administrator is enough to remove the information. Sometimes, the SBU is forced to contact the Telegram platform with a request for blocking. The Service did not say how often the messenger meets such requests.
“In general, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the special service has blocked dozens of Telegram channels whose administrators’ activities had signs of crimes under Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code. This work is ongoing,”
– the SBU said.
Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine “Obstruction of the lawful activities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations” is punishable by imprisonment for a term of five to eight years.
