If authoritarians are scared of journalists, we must be doing something right

May 03, 2025 – Ukraine –

On World Press Freedom Day, Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief of the Kyiv Independent, emphasized the critical role journalists play in challenging authoritarian regimes. She highlighted the tragic case of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was detained and killed in Russian captivity while investigating torture chambers in occupied territories. Roshchyna’s death underscores the lengths to which oppressive governments will go to silence those who seek to expose the truth.

Rudenko argued that the targeting of journalists by authoritarian states is a testament to the impact and importance of their work. The deliberate suppression of truth through intimidation, imprisonment, and even murder reveals the threat that honest reporting poses to regimes built on misinformation and control. Despite these dangers, journalists continue to risk their lives to inform the public and hold power to account.

The article serves as a call to action, urging support for independent journalism and recognition of its vital role in upholding democracy and human rights. By standing with journalists and defending press freedom, society can resist authoritarianism and ensure that the truth prevails.

Reference – 

https://kyivindependent.com/if-authoritarians-are-killing-journalists-we-must-be-doing-something-right/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/authoritarians-scared-journalists-must-doing-131544114.html

https://nafoforum.org/magazine/if-authoritarians-are-killing-journalists-we-must-be-doing-something-right