Video journalist Simon Ostrovsky cuts through the bullshit
You might remember Ostrovsky covering the crisis in Ukraine with his dispatches for Vice News. Several weeks ago, after completing a report on allegations that Russian nationals were fighting along with separatists in the east of Ukraine, Ostrovsky was seized under the authority of the self-proclaimed "People's Mayor of Slovyansk", beaten, interrogated and held for several days until ultimately being released. Other journalists held along with him have been far less fortunate.
Recently, the Ukrainian government captured two journalists from Russian state owned media outlet Lifenews that they claim were aiding the separatists. They claim to have found a MANPAD (Man Portable Air Defense System) along with their belongings. The two journalists were reportedly taken to Kiev for further questioning.
MANPAD allegations notwithstanding, there was concern that the Ukrainian government might be going the way of the pro-Russian separatists and creating a chilling effect for journalists in the country. Also disturbing was the Russian government's arrest of Crimean filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was then transported to Moscow to reportedly be charged with "terrorism".
When asked to comment on the situation, Ostrovsky tweeted the following response, and it was classic:
"Ukraine, release the @lifenews_ru reporters you detained. Russia, free Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. Lifenews, stop faking news. Deal?"
https://twitter.com/SimonOstrovsky/status/468475997424451584
But there has been a problem with journalists being harassed throughout the crisis. A recent report:
http://freedomhouse.org/article/ukraine-media-watch#.U3p66v8U-Uk
Moscow Times story on LifeNews reporters:
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/lavrov-urges-osce-to-play-role-in-release-of-russian-journalists-detained-in-ukraine/500402.html