Russia seeks to involve Interpol to retaliate against Ukrainian journalist over ambassador incident
Russia is attempting to involve Interpol to place Ukrainian media expert and activist Iryna Zemliana on an international wanted list. Ukraine views these actions as an attempt at political persecution.
This was reported by Member of Parliament Yaroslav Yurchyshyn on Facebook.
According to him, Russia is seeking to have Zemliana internationally wanted, calling it “a direct attempt to use Interpol’s resources to pressure Ukrainian journalists and activists.”
The case stems from events in Poland in May 2022, when activists poured beetroot juice over the Russian ambassador Sergey Andreyev during a protest against Russia’s aggression. The Russian side described the incident as an “attack on a diplomat.”
In the absence of access to the activist, a Moscow court sentenced Zemliana in absentia to 13 years in prison. In addition to the alleged “attack,” she was accused of spreading so-called “fake news” about the Russian army.
“Moscow’s court is carrying out reprisals against Ukrainian journalist and media expert Iryna Zemliana for organising a protest in front of Ambassador Andreyev,” Yurchyshyn said.
Zemliana herself insists the case is fabricated and has nothing to do with justice. According to her, photo and video evidence confirms the peaceful nature of the protest, which posed no threat to the diplomat, while Polish law enforcement raised no claims against her.
As the MP noted, Russia is now seeking to have Zemliana placed on an international wanted list. Ukraine maintains this is part of a broader campaign to persecute individuals who do not support Kremlin policies.
The National Police of Ukraine, which represents the country in Interpol, has already taken the case under special control.
One of the key defence arguments is Article 3 of Interpol’s Constitution, which prohibits the organisation from intervening in political, military, religious or racial matters.
Yurchyshyn also stressed that Ukrainian law enforcement is working to block any attempts by Russia to use international mechanisms to pursue the journalist.
Earlier, in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine, Czech activists poured a red liquid resembling blood over the Russian embassy in Prague. In Hungary, members of the opposition Momentum party splashed red paint on the fence and grounds of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s office.
