NUJU calling for release of Melitopol journalist Iryna Levchenko and her husband

On May 6, journalist Iryna Levchenko and her husband, Oleksandr, disappeared to an unknown place in Melitopol occupied by Russian troops. It was only two weeks later that it was found out that the occupation authorities had detained the Levchenko couple without any explanation.

We want to emphasize that at one time, Iryna Levchenko worked as a journalist in well-known national periodicals. But now, she and her husband are pensioners, do not engage in any work or other activities, and have health problems.

The detainees are kept in inhumane conditions, with almost no food, in a cold basement on a concrete floor; they are subjected to physical and moral torture and are kept hostage under absolutely ridiculous and far-fetched accusations of terrorism.

As reliable sources told us, Iryna was later transferred to another place. Where exactly is still unknown. The journalistic community is deeply outraged and worried by the gross violation of human rights in relation to our colleague Iryna Levchenko and her husband.

We emphasize that the illegal arrest of veteran journalist Iryna Levchenko and her husband Oleksandr Levchenko is another challenge by the occupation authorities of Melitopol to all human and international norms and laws, a cynical disregard for human rights and the professional rights of journalists.

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) firmly demands that the occupation authorities of Melitopol stop lawlessness, observe international norms in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, and return freedom to veteran journalist Iryna Levchenko and her husband, Oleksandr Levchenko! We call on all colleagues, public and professional institutions, all citizens of Ukraine, and the international community to unite in the fight for their release and for the legal rights of every person to freedom and independence!

Journalists are important!

NUJU Information Service