You Are Most to Blame. A Well-Known TV Host Explains Why Journalists Were Expelled from the Parliament.

Access for Journalists to the Verkhovna Rada Has Been Restricted for Five Years

For five years now, journalists have been unable to enter the corridors of the Verkhovna Rada. This initially happened due to the pandemic, and then due to the war. Yuri Makaro, the executive producer of 'Suspilne', called this situation abnormal.

«An abnormal situation. But the work of journalists in the press gallery has also not always been ethical. Peeking at the smartphones of politicians, at their lovers and correspondence – I apologize, but this is some kind of servility…», Makaro noted.

The journalist explained that it was the unethical behavior of media representatives in the Rada that led to this situation. He recalled how journalists photographed politicians choosing their female staff, prompting one to consider whether such journalists are necessary for society.

Access Restricted Since 2020

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists were barred from entering the Verkhovna Rada. After a year and a half, the ban was partially lifted, but full access has not been restored. With the start of the war with Russia in 2022, media access to the Rada was completely prohibited.

Currently, journalists can only enter the Verkhovna Rada with prior agreement for committee meetings and temporary commissions. This is related to security issues, including a limited number of places in shelters. Previously, several thousand journalists were accredited, but after the war, this number has significantly decreased.