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Press Group Concerned About Fate Of Missing Ukrainian Journalist


Undated photo of Kharkiv journalist Vasyl Klymentyev, who (courtesy of atn.kharkov.ua)
Undated photo of Kharkiv journalist Vasyl Klymentyev, who (courtesy of atn.kharkov.ua)
The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed concern about the safety of Ukrainian journalist Vasyl Klymentyev, who has been missing since August 11.

A Ukrainian press freedom organization, the Institute of Mass Information, is also expressing fears that Klymentyev may be dead after his mobile telephone reportedly was found on a boat in the region of Kharkiv.

Klymentyev is the editor in chief of the "Novyy Styl." The small investigative newspaper focuses on corruption issues in Kharkiv and is known for Klymentyev's criticism of law enforcement officials.

The Associated Press reports that Klymentyev was threatened after refusing to accept money to hold back a story about a regional prosecutor accused of accepting bribes to close criminal cases.

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych said last week that he would personally oversee an investigation into Klymentyev's disappearance.

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"Watchdog" is a blog with a singular mission -- to monitor the latest developments concerning human rights, civil society, and press freedom. We'll pay particular attention to reports concerning countries in RFE/RL's broadcast region.

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