Media professionals urged the Verkhovna Rada to reject the law that threatens freedom of speech.

The media movement and human rights defenders urge the Rada not to adopt Bill No. 10242, which could be used to exert pressure on journalists.

As reported by "Dumka," the Institute of Mass Information conveys this information.

According to IMI, the media movement, along with media and human rights organizations in Ukraine, is calling on the members of the Ukrainian parliament to withdraw their support for Bill №10242 in its current form. This bill poses significant threats to freedom of speech, the work of journalists, the protection of journalistic sources, and whistleblowers of corruption in Ukraine.

This is stated in their joint declaration. You can join the signing of the statement here.

The bill intensifies and enforces criminal liability, imposing a penalty of up to eight years in prison for publicly disclosing confidential information from public registers during martial law. At the same time, the bill does not provide any protective mechanisms for those who disclose confidential information that is of public interest.

The applicants believe that this bill creates a tool that can be used to persecute journalists.

"Under the guise of combating 'data abuse,' a tool is being created that can be used to target journalists covering corruption schemes or abuse of power. Examples of investigations whose authors could be held accountable under this bill include materials on schemes for men leaving the country during martial law or the enrichment of representatives of the prosecutor's office," the statement reads.

The authors of the statement call on international organizations and human rights defenders to join in assessing this bill and to express their views on its impact on freedom of speech in Ukraine.