During Zelensky’s speech: Press locked out by parliamentary leadership

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This Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45) is in the National Council Hall – but only via video.

The SVP faction prefers not to be in the room at the moment. Your members can then, for example, stay in the lobby where journalists and lobbyists exchange ideas with parliamentarians.

But this time it’s different. As announced by the parliamentary services, media professionals are no longer allowed in the lobby and anteroom from 1pm to about 2.30pm for “security reasons”. During Selenski’s speech, journalists are only allowed in the press gallery. In plain language: Please be still and listen. This impediment to the work of media professionals is a restriction on press freedom.

Suddenly dangerous?

Apparently, from the point of view of the parliamentary services, there is a danger from journalists. But why is she suddenly considered dangerous just because the screens in the foyer show Selenski’s face instead of National Council President Martin Candinas (43, center)?

The parliamentary services do not provide any information why accredited parliamentary journalists cannot access the lobby during the virtual speech.

Do not disturb!

Mark Stucki, spokesman for the parliamentary services, explains that no information can be given about the security measures. “It is based on current assessments of the situation and expert recommendations and was approved by the authorities provided for in the house rules” – ie by the governing body of the National Council and the Council of States.

And further: “From the communications side, it was important to ensure media access through press stands at all times.” The speech would only cover the lunch break and not the regular session. The opportunity with Selenski is not part of the negotiations with the public council.

This argument is not really convincing. After all, the Ukrainian president does not just chat with a few Swiss people, but addresses the elected representatives of the people. The press must, of course, be silent.

Source:Blick