“Why Journalism and Access to Information Matter More Than Ever” Panel & Forum Announcement
September 25, 2025
“Journalist Challenges” Take Center Stage at PACE Autumn Session
September 29, 2025
On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 6:00 pm, the Edinburgh & District branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), in partnership with the University of Edinburgh Ukrainian Society and the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign Scotland (USCS), will host a public screening of Vika’s Last Assignment. This documentary investigates the torture and death of Viktoria Roshchyna, a Ukrainian reporter who disappeared in occupied territory in August 2023 and later died in Russian custody under contested circumstances.
Roshchyna had covered vulnerable issues such as fair trial rights, freedom of assembly, and later Russian war crimes in occupied regions. Before the screening, she was honored with the 2022 Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF).
The screening will feature an introduction by Viktoriia Grivina, a Kharkiv-born writer and cultural anthropologist whose recent essay collection Kharkiv – A War City offers personal and scholarly insight into life amid conflict. Following the film, Connor Beaton, a legal affairs journalist, will moderate a discussion exploring the film’s themes and highlighting grassroots efforts at building solidarity between Scotland and Ukraine.
Attendance is free, though participants are invited to consider donating to the IFJ/EFJ Safety Fund for Journalists in Ukraine when registering.
- Venue: University of Edinburgh
- Time: 6:00 pm, Tuesday, 30 September 2025
- Registration: Via Eventbrite (link in original announcement)
This event offers a powerful opportunity to honor Roshchyna’s legacy, shed light on the risks faced by journalists in war zones, and reinforce the importance of press freedom and accountability.
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