The Shevchenkivskyi District Court in Kyiv ruled in favor of Andriy Portnov, a former top official in ex-President Viktor Yanukovych’s administration, in a defamation case against several news outlets, including the Kyiv Independent. The lawsuit stemmed from a story by journalist Glib Kanievskyi in September 2023, which highlighted the selective imposition of sanctions on pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine. Portnov, who was listed as an example in the story, sued the author and the news outlets for defamation. Portnov, a lawyer, had been sanctioned by the U.S. in 2021 over corruption allegations involving the Ukrainian judiciary.
The U.S. Treasury website described Portnov as a court fixer who used bribery to influence Ukraine’s judicial system. Portnov was accused of attempting to control the Ukrainian judiciary, influence legislation, and buy court decisions. He was also said to have colluded with high-ranking officials to shape legal institutions in his favor and influence the Constitutional Court. Despite his past involvement in Yanukovych’s administration, Portnov has faced various criminal investigations, including allegations of high treason in connection to the annexation of Crimea in 2014. While the case was closed in 2019, media reports suggest that Portnov no longer resides in Ukraine.
The Kyiv Independent’s Chief Editor, Olga Rudenko, and other defendants plan to appeal the court’s ruling in favor of Portnov. Rudenko expressed concerns over the state of press freedoms in Ukraine, pointing out the irony of a former official accused of influencing the judiciary winning a defamation case against journalists in a Ukrainian court. The legal department of the Regional Press Development Institute, which represents the media sued by Portnov, cited violations in the court’s ruling and stated that they would appeal the decision. The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian journalists, including pressure and censorship attempts.
Ukrainian journalists and media watchdogs have voiced concerns over declining press freedoms amidst ongoing conflicts and outside interventions. The country’s media landscape continues to face challenges, with delays in resolving previous cases involving attacks on journalists. The news team at the Kyiv Independent is dedicated to providing essential updates about events in Ukraine to their readers. As the situation in the country remains complex, with the ongoing conflict with Russia, journalists strive to uphold journalistic standards and report on important issues despite facing obstacles and threats.
The ruling in favor of Portnov raises questions about the state of the Ukrainian judiciary and its ability to uphold press freedoms. The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in navigating a legal system that may not always protect their rights. As the media landscape in Ukraine evolves, journalists and media outlets must continue to push for press freedoms and defend their right to report on issues of public interest. The outcome of the appeal process will be closely watched by media organizations and press freedom advocates as they seek to ensure a free and independent press in Ukraine.
Despite the challenges faced by Ukrainian journalists, they remain committed to their work and continue to report on important issues impacting the country. The ongoing conflicts and political upheavals have underscored the importance of a free press in holding authorities accountable and informing the public. As Ukrainian journalists navigate threats and pressures, they continue to shine a light on corruption, human rights abuses, and other critical issues. The outcome of cases like the one involving Andriy Portnov will shape the future of press freedoms in Ukraine and determine the extent to which journalists can operate without fear of reprisal.
