Those accused of attacking journalist UP Tkach received suspended sentences, which they can appeal

The Obukhiv District Court announced the verdict for two defendants in the attack on Ukrainy Pravda journalist Mykhailo Tkach. The incident occurred while the journalist was performing his professional duties near the Tandyr restaurant in Kozyn.

The press service of the Obukhiv Court reported this on Thursday, November 28.

The defendants received a sentence of three years of suspended imprisonment with a probationary period. The verdict can be appealed.

The court found that on November 17, 2023, Tkach arrived at the restaurant as part of an editorial assignment to film material related to a journalistic investigation.

Around 23:29, visitors began to leave the establishment. At this time, Tkach got out of his car and, while in the restaurant's parking lot, which is a public area, began filming on a digital camera. The journalist acted openly, referring to the provisions of the Law on Information.

At this time, the two defendants prevented the journalist from doing his work near the restaurant. In particular, they blocked Tkach's passage, closed the camera, and prevented him from filming visitors leaving the restaurant.

The defendants also did not allow Tkach to approach the exit from the restaurant, thereby preventing him from performing his professional duties.

The court found both defendants guilty of committing a crime under Part 1 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 171 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, namely, committing intentional acts that resulted in influencing in any form on a journalist with the aim of obstructing the performance of his professional duties, committed by a group of persons without prior conspiracy.

The verdict takes into account that the accused have not been convicted before, as well as the absence of circumstances that would mitigate or aggravate the punishment.

The court's decision has not yet entered into force and may be appealed in the appellate or cassation procedure.