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Concern Over Arrest Of Ukrainian Opposition Journalists


27 May 2004 -- A leading international media watchdog, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), criticized Ukrainian authorities today for the arrests of two opposition journalists.

The Paris-based group called the arrests the latest sign of the muzzling of the press ahead of this fall's presidential election.

The group said it does question the real reason for the reporters' arrest. The group also said that the journalists had dealt with issues that are "sensitive for the authorities."

Oleksandr Pomytkin, known for investigating corruption within the security forces, was arrested on 23 May on charges of "fraudulently taking sums of money belonging to an individual."

Another journalist, Kostiantyn Sydorenko, was arrested on 22 May on charges of illegal possession of explosives.

(AP)

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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