Ukrainska Pravda investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach detained in Vienna

Mykhailo Tkach, head of the investigative journalism department at the Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda, has been detained in Vienna, Austria's capital. According to the newsroom, he was there on an editorial assignment connected with the search for Ruslan Kravchenko, the fugitive prosecutor general. The outlet considers the detention unlawful and demands that he be released immediately.

Whereabouts of a colleague unknown

Tkach travelled to Austria with his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko. The editorial team says it currently does not know where Bondarenko is or what has happened to him, and it demands that his location be established at once and his safety confirmed.

The newsroom has no direct contact with Tkach. Based on information available to Ukrainska Pravda, he has been taken into custody and is in touch with a lawyer.

Appeals from the newsroom

The editorial team has already informed the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria and the Austrian Embassy in Ukraine. Ukrainian diplomats are being urged to take all necessary steps urgently to protect the journalists, establish their whereabouts and help secure Tkach's release.

Austrian authorities are asked to explain promptly the grounds for the detention, ensure that Tkach has access to legal and consular assistance, and allow him to contact the newsroom and his family. The outlet is also appealing to international journalism and human rights organisations to support the two journalists and help defend their rights.

Editor-in-chief Sevgil Musaieva stresses that Tkach and Bondarenko went to Vienna to do their jobs as journalists. In her words, the safety of journalists and their right to carry out professional duties must be guaranteed. The newsroom expects Austrian authorities to act without delay, give transparent explanations and fully respect the rights of the journalists.