Legal Intimidation in Ukraine: IPI Condemns Lawsuit Campaign by Politician Andriy Portnov

September 27, 2024 – Russia/Ukraine – 

The International Press Institute (IPI) has strongly condemned a campaign of defamation lawsuits filed by Ukrainian politician and lawyer Andriy Portnov against several independent media outlets and journalists. The organization warns that this strategy represents a dangerous attempt to silence critical reporting through legal harassment, posing a significant threat to press freedom in Ukraine.

Portnov, a former deputy head of ex-President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration, began filing lawsuits in 2023 targeting journalists and outlets such as the Kyiv Independent, Hromadske, and the investigative unit Schemes. These lawsuits primarily object to references describing Portnov as “pro-Russian” or linking him to judicial manipulation and corruption, demanding retractions, public apologies, and financial compensation.

One notable case resulted in a court order freezing €500 from the bank account of Kyiv Independent editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko—a move that sent shockwaves through Ukraine’s media community. Another lawsuit against Hromadske resulted in a first-instance court ruling in Portnov’s favor, which the outlet is now appealing.

IPI considers these lawsuits as classic examples of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), which are designed not to seek justice but to intimidate and burden journalists with costly, time-consuming legal battles. The organization emphasized that public figures must tolerate a higher degree of scrutiny and criticism, especially in matters of public interest, and called on Ukrainian courts to protect the constitutional right to freedom of expression.

According to IPI, the broader impact of Portnov’s legal campaign is chilling. Journalists and editors may begin to self-censor or avoid politically sensitive investigations altogether, weakening Ukraine’s democratic discourse. At a time when the country is fighting not just a physical war but also an information war, a free press is essential for resilience and accountability.

IPI is urging Ukrainian authorities to dismiss these lawsuits, reinforce legal protections for journalists, and implement safeguards against SLAPPs. Without decisive action, IPI warns, the misuse of defamation laws could become a potent tool to suppress independent journalism and undermine democratic values in Ukraine.

Reference – 

IPI condemns lawsuit campaign by Andriy Portnov – ipi.media