UOJ detainee: In democratic countries, criticizing power is not state treason
UOJ journalist Andriy Ovcharenko underscored that questioning the actions of the authorities is the duty of a journalist.
In his statement to the court, Orthodox journalist Andriy Ovcharenko criticized the results of the expert examination of publications on the UOJ website, commissioned by the prosecution. He pointed out that the experts found in the materials of the publication an opinion that the political course of the Ukrainian leadership might be incorrect, and included this in the main evidence of his guilt.
"A journalist is obliged in virtually any country to question the actions of their government. And this has nothing to do with treason. But the investigation believes otherwise," he noted.
As the UOJ reported, Andriy Ovcharenko also questioned in his speech in court why journalists are accused of treason instead of those who beat believers.
