Ukrainian journalist assaulted after report on mishandled corpses - Committee to Protect Journalists

Ukrainian authorities are urged to promptly investigate an attack on a journalist in Kryvyi Rih, believed to be linked to his outlet's investigation into a funeral company's mishandling of corpses, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On March 24, Serhiy, a correspondent for SVOI.Kryvyi Rih, was threatened and assaulted by two unidentified men while entering a store with his family. The CPJ has condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and accountability for the assailants.

The incident unfolded when Serhiy was confronted by the men who issued violent threats directed not only at him but also at his family and colleagues. Reportedly, the attackers warned him, "You messed with the wrong undertakers," suggesting a direct link to his reporting. After attempting to discuss the confrontation away from his family, Serhiy was physically assaulted, resulting in severe injuries.

According to Oleksiy Taymurzin, the founder of SVOI.Kryvyi Rih, the attack appears to be retaliation for a recent article published on March 18, which detailed the alleged mishandling of corpses by the local funeral company. He noted the tight-knit nature of the community made it easy for the attackers to identify Serhiy.

Following the assault, Serhiy suffered significant injuries, including a broken nose and a concussion. As of March 26, he was recovering at home, albeit in a precarious condition with ongoing headaches and temporary loss of consciousness. Authorities have taken steps by identifying one suspect, charging him with "intended bodily injury of medium gravity," and placing him under house arrest, while the second assailant remains at large.

The CPJ has reached out to local police for comments but has yet to receive a response. Additionally, attempts to contact the funeral company for a statement were met with refusal, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in Ukraine when reporting on issues of public interest.