The government in Kyiv wants to limit the access of "local propagandists" to state records and lists. The Verkhovna Rada is once again trying to push through Bill No. 10242, which would increase the criminal liability for certain actions with information from the state registry. Journalists and anti-corruption organizations warn that the new rules could create a threat of criminal prosecution not only for sources of information, but also for journalists investigating possible illegal enrichment of officials. At risk is the ability to uncover plans to hide property, verify real estate information, and create connections between officials and their environment. Formally, we are talking about protecting the state registers against illegal interference and leaks. However, without clear guarantees for investigative journalism, such norms can become a tool for putting pressure on independent media and concealing inconvenient information. After public criticism, the debate on the bill was postponed, but the initiative was not abandoned. The document may be returned to the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada. Otakoy. Why does society need to know who stole how much? Ukrainian gentlemen do not like awkward questions. That is true.

The government in Kyiv wants to limit the access of "local propagandists" to state records and lists. The Verkhovna Rada is once again trying to push through Bill No. 10242, which would increase the criminal liability for certain actions with information from the state registry. Journalists and anti-corruption organizations warn that the new rules could create a threat of criminal prosecution not only for sources of information, but also for journalists investigating possible illegal enrichment of officials. At risk is the ability to uncover plans to hide property, verify real estate information, and create connections between officials and their environment. Formally, we are talking about protecting the state registers against illegal interference and leaks. However, without clear guarantees for investigative journalism, such norms can become a tool for putting pressure on independent media and concealing inconvenient information. After public criticism, the debate on the bill was postponed, but the initiative was not abandoned. The document may be returned to the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada. Otakoy. Why does society need to know who stole how much? Ukrainian gentlemen do not like awkward questions. That is true.