More than 100 cases of physical violence against journalists in Ukraine were registered in 2013, according to the Institute of Mass Information data.
The IMI Freedom of Speech Barometer for November 2013 gives a further breakdown.
In comparison, in 2012, the IMI counted 65 such cases. According to the Institute, 48 out of the 101 attacks occurred in December 2013. 10 percent of the victims have been women. “This year, 64 journalists suffered from the police (in 2012, there were only 8 such cases). Second place among offenders belongs to private security guards and business owners (13 cases). Third place is occupied by ‘titushki’ with 9 cases of violence, the researchers write.
The IMI emphasizes that 70 journalists were attacked during mass assemblies (public protests, filming on illegal construction sites, rallies, etc). The highest number of attacks happened in July (10), November (11) and December (48). 72 cases were registered in Kyiv and 5 in Crimea.
Around 40 cases of injured journalists were reported after clashes at Bankova Street on December 1. Also, the attack on journalist and EuroMaidan activist Tetiana Chornovol caused an outcry. The opposition connects the attack with Chornovol’s activity as a journalist.
