Polityka Closed Again

In June 1997 Liashko published a series of articles called "Spy Novel" stating that a military unit in Odesa was carrying out radio intelligence against NATO countries. Ukrainian authorities denied the charge and initiated criminal proceedings against Polityka on a charge of "divulging state secrets." Last December, Pechersk District Court in Kyiv already ruled to close the newspaper based on this action. However, the Supreme Court of Ukraine overturned the ruling and permitted Polityka to be published. In the period from March to June, the newspaper had to change printing houses seven times. On May 20, Moscow District Court in Kyiv decided to close the newspaper, and this was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

In addition, over twenty criminal cases have been brought against Oleh Liashko by officials "insulted" by Polityka, for a total of Hr 120,000,000.

According to Mr. Liashko, by closing the newspaper allegedly for "divulgence of state secrets," the government is trying to restrict the freedom of expression. He hopes the Supreme Court will again overrule the decision, which the editor-in-chief thinks illegal. In the meantime, he is quite determined to launch an electronic version of Polityka on the Internet, for which, as we know, no permit is required. "No bans or personal threats can intimidate us," said Liashko. The statement of Serhiy Peresunko, Social Democratic Union Chairman and People's Deputy, disseminated in the mass media, reads as follows: "The Social Democratic Union is deeply concerned that with the presidential elections drawing nearer, government entities create in this country the atmosphere of intolerance against dissent. By means of his specific actions, the President demonstrates how right were the international journalists' organizations which identified him, among several odious rulers, a world-class enemy of the press."