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Suspect In Attack On Ukrainian Journalists Released On Bail

Updated

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov
Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov
A man suspected in the beating of two journalists in Kyiv on May 18 has been released on bail.

A court in Kyiv ordered Vadym Titushko to pay the equivalent of $2,780 to be released from pretrial detention.

Titushko was arrested and charged with hooliganism on May 21.

He was allegedly one of several men who attacked opposition activists during an opposition gathering in Kyiv on May 18.

PHOTO GALLERY: Journalists Attacked In Kyiv

Several activists were injured, as well as two independent journalists.

Dozens of journalists protested in Kyiv on May 20, demanding the attackers be brought to justice.

Opposition lawmakers have demanded explanations regarding reports the police did nothing to stop the beatings.

The Committee to Protect Journalists and Freedom House condemned the attacks and urged Ukrainian authorities to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has ordered that several local reporters be barred from covering government meetings after they staged a silent protest over the attacks.

Reporters attending a cabinet meeting on May 22 stepped in front of television cameras and turned their backs on Azarov and his colleagues.

Signs pinned to their backs read, "Today it's a female journalist [beaten up], tomorrow -- your wife, sister, daughter. Do something!"

Azarov called the act "a show" and "a circus" and told his aides to "write down their names and revoke their accreditation."

Based on reporting by UNIAN and Reuters

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