Journalists now admitted into the Verkhovna Rada
Journalists will once again be able to report on the work of the Verkhovna Rada directly from the parliament building. The decree "On some issues related to organization of the work of journalists in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of the IX convocation under martial law in Ukraine" has been signed into effect by the Chairman of the parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the VRU press office reported.
Specially equipped workplaces, a spot for briefings, recording interviews, streaming meetings have been created for media workers.
While meeting VRU representatives, journalists were explained how the press center operates during parliament sessions, the specifics of getting admission to the parliament building, the safety aspects, and the requirements that must be observed.
Seats for journalists in the parliament. Photo by the Verkhovna Rada press office
Journalists were also shown the way to a basic bomb shelter in the parliament building, where they will be obligated to go during an air raid.
The VRU Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk said that seeing that they have to comply with safety requirements, which primarily concern the life and health of journalists, the press center can host up to 30 people maximum, as this is how many seats there are in the bomb shelter.
Previously
Journalists' access to the Verkhovna Rada building was closed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On May 1, 2024, the head of the Verkhovna Rada Apparatus, Vyacheslav Shtuchny, said that the VRU plans to start admitting journalists into its lobby in the near future, but in small groups and in the same format as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first meeting between the media and the VRU Apparatus executives is scheduled for after Easter. The attending journalists will receive explanations regarding the updated safety regulations in the Verkhovna Rada building.
The Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk said that they "need to create a pool of journalists who set high reputation requirements for themselves."
In February 2024, human rights NGOs, media and journalists called on the Verkhovna Rada to allow journalists to attend meetings and be present in the parliament lobby.
The IMI has written about a dilemma related to admitting journalists to the Verkhovna Rada.
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