At least 26 Ukrainian journalists held in Russian captivity, PEN International urges release on World Press Freedom Day.
“Journalists play a key role in providing the public with accurate and timely information, documenting events, and bearing witness where others cannot. When they are silenced, families are left waiting, stories remain untold, and truth itself is pushed into darkness. Behind every detained journalist is a person who chose courage over silence, and a community that now lives with their absence.” Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President
On World Press Freedom Day, PEN International calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all Ukrainian journalists held by the Russian authorities in the Russian Federation and in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, and urges the international community to intensify efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
At least 26 Ukrainian journalists remain in captivity in the Russian Federation and in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. Many face lengthy prison sentences on politically motivated charges, including ‘terrorism’, ‘treason’ or ‘sabotage’.
*Name, place and date of arrest*
• Oleksiy Bessarabov, Sevastopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, 9 November 2016
• Dmytro Shtyblikov, Sevastopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, 9 November 2016
• Ernes Ametov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 October 2017
• Marlen Asanov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 October 2017
• Tymur Ibrahimov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 October 2017
• Seyran Saliev, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 October 2017
• Server Mustafayev, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 21 May 2018
• Rustem Sheikhaliev, Simferopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, 27 March 2019
• Ruslan Suleimanov, Simferopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, 27 March 2019
• Osman Arifmemetov, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation, 28 March 2019
• Remzi Bekirov, Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation, 28 March 2019
• Amet Suleymanov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 March 2020
• Asan Akhtemov, Simferopol, Russian-occupied Crimea, 4 September 2021
• Iryna Danylovych, Koktebel, Russian-occupied Crimea, 29 April 2022
• Yevheniy Ilchenko, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 10 July 2022
• Vilen Temerianov, Vilne, Russian-occupied Crimea, 11 August 2022
• Iryna Levchenko, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 6 May 2023
• Vladyslav Hershon, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Anastasia Hlukhovska, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Heorhiy Levchenko, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Oleksandr Malyshev, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Maksym Rupchov, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Yana Suvorova, Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, 20 August 2023
• Aziz Azizov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 5 March 2024
• Rustem Osmanov, Bakhchysarai, Russian-occupied Crimea, 5 March 2024
• Hennadiy Osmak, Henichesk, Kherson region, 11 March 2024
Reports from Ukrainian journalists previously released from Russian custody point to a pattern of grave human rights violations in detention, including torture, prolonged incommunicado detention, and enforced disappearance. Such acts may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity and continue to take place in a climate of impunity.
The risks faced by journalists in Ukraine extend far beyond detention. Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 22 journalists and media workers have been killed while carrying out their professional duties. Others continue to work under extreme pressure, with repeated attacks on media infrastructure and reduced access to essential resources further undermining independent reporting.
PEN International joins PEN Ukraine in calling for justice in the case of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who reportedly died in Russian custody in September 2024. Evidence indicating that she was subjected to torture underscores the urgent need for independent investigations and accountability.
On World Press Freedom Day, PEN International is mobilising its global network to act. The organisation calls on its members and supporters to urge their governments to secure the journalists’ release, ensure independent monitoring of detention conditions, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide sustained support to Ukrainian media.
PEN International also calls on the public to stand in solidarity with detained Ukrainian journalists by amplifying their cases and defending press freedom worldwide.
As the Russian Federation’s war against Ukraine continues, ensuring the safety of journalists and safeguarding independent reporting remain essential to protecting the public’s access to information and upholding fundamental freedoms.
