We, journalists and media organizations, participants of MediaRuh, express outrage and strongly condemn the wave of pressure, slander, and threats directed at the independent Ukrainian publication «Texty» (Texty.org.ua).
On June 6, «Texty» published a research titled «American Swings: From Trumpists to Communists, who and how advocates for ending assistance to Ukraine».
The research analyzed the political, media, and expert environment in the USA, which influences decisions regarding further support for Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The publication «Texty» did not interfere with the right to freedom of expression, but simply provided information on who in the USA opposes support for Ukraine and why.
After the publication of the research, «Texty» became the target of a large influx of threats, hatred, and pressures.
This pressure on the Ukrainian investigative media is carried out by representatives and supporters of the Republican Party of the USA, who, unfortunately, do not uphold freedom of speech and should be an example of democracy.
The Director of the Ron Paul Institute, Daniel McAdams, stated that the Ukrainian publication, funded by the American government, created a «hit list» of American citizens, which is simply untrue.
His material is actively spread by conservative publications, far-right and far-left American activists, attacking the Texty.org.ua editorial office and article authors on social media, including with threats.
Such a coordinated attack on independent media undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.
We call on the US Congress and Senate to stop pressuring Texty.org.ua and not to use it for domestic American political struggle in light of the upcoming US elections.
