Judge Vovk Blocks Journalists from Investigating DBR Chief's Brother: A Blow to Free Speech.

The Ruling by Judge Vovk and Its Fallout

According to Espreso.tv: In a controversial move, Judge Serhiy Vovk has issued a ruling that prohibits the Anti-Corruption Action Center (ACAC) and the investigative journalism project 'Slidstvo.Info' from gathering information about Oleksii Sukhachov. This decision has sparked widespread outrage, as it is seen as an assault on press freedom and a violation of Ukraine’s commitments under European integration. The plaintiff plans to file a lawsuit that has yet to be heard on its merits.

The court order specifically targets the publication of data on the property holdings of the brother of the head of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). On June 24, ACAC sent a request to Oleksii Sukhachov seeking information related to his relative. Journalist Alina Stryzhak uncovered evidence suggesting that Sukhachov’s brother owns a substantial real estate portfolio—143 apartments and office spaces. A similar request was also directed to the company 'Parkovyi-2'.

Notably, less than two weeks passed between the submission of the request and the court’s approval of a motion filed on behalf of 'Parkovyi-2'. ACAC received no response from either Oleksii Sukhachov or 'Parkovyi-2'. As Olena Shcherban stated,

“the court ruling is blatantly illegal and violates the fundamental rights of journalists.”

The Legality of Judge Vovk’s Decision

Judge Vovk’s ruling serves as a preemptive measure to secure a claim, issued even before the lawsuit itself was filed, raising serious questions about its lawfulness. This situation underscores potential threats to free speech and journalistic work in Ukraine, especially given the country’s European integration obligations.

This case highlights the critical need to protect investigative journalism and uphold human rights in Ukraine, particularly as the nation seeks closer ties with the European community. Rulings that restrict journalists’ activities could set a dangerous precedent for further attacks on free expression, alarming activists and human rights defenders.