Vienna, November 27, 2002 (RFE/RL) -- The International Press Institute (IPI) has called on Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to launch a probe into the death of journalist Mykhaylo Kolomiyets. Kolomiyets' body was found nearly two weeks ago in a wooded area near the Belarusian town of Maladzechna. Ukrainian police and Belarus authorities said Kolomiyets -- the director of Ukrayinski Novyny news agency -- committed suicide. In a letter addressed to Kuchma, the Vienna-based IPI said neither his colleagues nor his mother believed Kolomiyets committed suicide.
The press monitoring group said the circumstances surrounding Kolomiyets' death must be cleared up in a "transparent and public manner."
Colleagues say Kolomiyets death may have been linked to the critical reporting of the Ukrainian government done by his news agency.
The press monitoring group said the circumstances surrounding Kolomiyets' death must be cleared up in a "transparent and public manner."
Colleagues say Kolomiyets death may have been linked to the critical reporting of the Ukrainian government done by his news agency.