Court Blocks Investigation Into Property Linked to DBR Director’s Brother: Key Details.

Publication Ban on Investigative Report

According to Espreso.tv: The Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC) and Slidstvo.Info have been prohibited from publishing an investigation concerning 143 real estate properties potentially owned by the brother of Oleksii Sukhachov, head of the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR). The ban, issued by the Pechersk District Court, has raised alarm over press freedom in Ukraine.

Inquiries were sent to Oleksii Sukhachov and his brother on June 24, with a response expected by July 6. However, on July 7, AntAC received an official reply from the DBR, likely tied to the investigation. Notably, AntAC has never encountered such a restriction before.

Reaction to the Incident

“This is a very dangerous precedent that threatens freedom of speech in Ukraine.” — Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center

She further stressed that ‘the court did not actually review the lawsuit’ and remarked: ‘Even under Yanukovych, this didn’t happen.’ Kaleniuk described the situation as ‘simply epic’ and ‘reminiscent of a street thug from Troieshchyna.’

The incident has sparked widespread backlash from human rights advocates and journalists, who are rallying to protect free speech in Ukraine. The publication ban casts doubt on journalists’ ability to conduct independent investigations when authorities can restrict access to information.

This case highlights serious challenges facing press freedom and the right to information in Ukraine. Blocking investigations tied to high-ranking officials could undermine government transparency and accountability. As the country pushes for European integration, safeguarding investigative journalism and the public’s right to know is crucial for a democratic society.