“Copies Putin’s Law,” MP Yurchyshyn criticizes controversial bill

Holos party lawmaker Yaroslav Yurschyshyn has joined the chorus of  Draft law No. 10242 which many believe is set to prevent journalists from making public all the information from state registries.   The lawmaker who chairs the parliamentary committee on Freedom of Speech, has spoke out against it, comparing it to the policies of Putin’s regime.

“Are we sure we want to follow the enemy’s path rather than the democratic one our international partners openly suggest?” Yurchyshyn questioned the policy on social media in clear reference to a law signed by Vladimir Putin in November that imposes 10-year prison terms for sharing registry data.

“Draft law No. 10242 essentially mirrors the goals and punishments of Putin’s law,” added Yushchyshyn.

The controversial draft law seeks to impose penalties, including up to eight years in prison, for publishing confidential data from state registries. Many critics warn  it could impact journalists, civil activists, and their sources, particularly for reporting on officials’ activities.

The idea unsurprisingly drew lots of backlash from  journalists and civil rights advocates as the fear it could stifle investigative reporting and undermine government accountability.

In his statement on social media, Yurchyshyn said the Vekhovna Rada should withdraw the draft law and consult  with international partners and media experts to find a balance between protection of sensitive personal data and press freedoms.