Regional migration service chief faces charges for interfering with journalists
The State Bureau of Investigation has pressed charges against the head of a regional migration service for obstructing journalistic activities, according to a statement on the agency's website on Sept. 2.
According to the investigation, in July 2024, journalists from an information agency visited a hotel and entertainment complex in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast to obtain a comment from an official regarding the significant wealth of his family members. The journalists introduced themselves and began filming with a video camera and microphone bearing the agency's name.
The official refused to answer the journalists' questions and intentionally struck the video camera held by the camera operator, damaging the device, the SBI reported.
The head of the regional migration service was indicted under Part 1 of Article 171 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on Aug. 30, which carries a penalty of a fine of up to 50 non-taxable minimum incomes, arrest for up to six months, or restriction of liberty for up to three years.
Currently, the issue of choosing a pre-trial restrcition for the suspect is being decided. The investigation is under the procedural supervision of the Office of the Prosecutor General, the SBI added.
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