The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech and Information has demanded to swiftly investigate the events related to the arson of the building with an office of the National Information Systems company, which produces news programs for Inter TV Channel.
“The freedom of speech committee has no other stand than those of demanding the swiftest possible, effective and informative investigation, as well as the condemnation of any forms of attacks on media, which includes the evidence of the obstruction to the journalists’ activity,” Viktoria Siumar, the committee’s chairperson and deputy head of the People’s Front faction, said.
The unknown individuals burned tires near the office of National Information Systems company, which produces news programs for Inter TV Channel in Schusev Street in Kyiv on September 4. According to the preliminary information, a smoke grenade was thrown into the building, which started a fire.
Oleksandr Pylypets, the director of the National Information Systems, said during the meeting that the damage inflicted during the arson, has been tentatively estimated at $430,000. He added that it is yet “unofficial information.”
Head of the National Police investigative department in Kyiv Oleksandr Pyvovar, who was present at the Rada’s meeting, said the investigation is conducted under the articles ‘hooliganism’ and ‘deliberate damage to property’ of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, but also the police opened the case under the article ‘obstruction to journalist activities.’
“There are no suspects in question now, no indictment and definite verdict for those responsible,” he said.
The investigators consider several theories of the events, including arson, he said.
“A number of forensic evaluations are planned, including a computer one of seized servers,” he said.
