Ukraine: Turkish Journalist Özge Elif Kizil and France TV Producer Violetta-Anastasia Pedorych Injured in Russian Missile Attack on Kharkiv

Russia's relentless air strikes on Ukraine persist, with the latest attack targeting a hotel in Kharkiv, injuring 13 people

Location: Ukraine, Kharkiv
Date: January 10, 2024

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom is deeply disturbed and outraged by the recent missile attack in Kharkiv, Ukraine, which specifically targeted a hotel hosting journalists from the Anadolu Agency, including Özge Elif Kizil. Violetta-Anastasia Pedorych, a producer from France TV, was also among the injured. This attack, which resulted in injuries to 13 people, is not only a blatant disregard for human life but also a severe violation of press freedom and international law. The attack in Kharkiv is a grim reminder of the escalating dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Ukraine. The deliberate targeting of a hotel housing journalists on Journalists' Day adds a cruel irony to this tragedy. Our thoughts are with the injured journalists, who, despite their traumatic experience, remain committed to their journalistic duties. We condemn in the strongest terms Russia's deliberate targeting of journalists and civilians, which constitutes a clear violation of international law and amounts to a war crime. In light of this egregious incident, we urgently call upon the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court to launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. It is imperative that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable for their actions.

On the evening of January 10, 2024, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv was targeted by Russian S-300 missiles in multiple locations. One of the targets was a hotel that accommodated civilians and journalists from the Turkish news outlet, Anadolu Agency. Oleg Sinegubov, the military administration head of the Kharkiv region, revealed that a few journalists who were present at the hotel suffered injuries. 

Despite the chaos and danger, Anadolu reporter Davit Kachkachishvili and photojournalist Özge Elif Kizil, who were on duty, managed to escape from the damaged hotel, which was engulfed in flames. Fortunately, Kachkachishvili only sustained minor cuts on his hands. The Anadolu Agency staff, despite the terrifying ordeal, were found to be in generally good health. However, as a precautionary measure, they were swiftly transported to the hospital by ambulance to undergo a comprehensive examination and receive any necessary medical attention. 

Violetta-Anastasia Pedorych, a producer from France TV, was also among the wounded, but fortunately, her injuries are not life-threatening.

According to Synehubov, one person is in critical condition, another sustained injuries but is in stable condition, while the remaining people suffered minor injuries. 

The consequences of the attack were severe, as the upper floors of the hotel were destroyed by the explosions, and the entire building was consumed by flames. Additionally, numerous vehicles in the vicinity of the hotel were also damaged and rendered unusable.

CFWIJ has been diligently monitoring and documenting the aftermath of Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

During the evening of December 30, the Kharkiv Palace Hotel, located in the center of Kharkiv, fell victim to a missile strike launched by Russia. At the time of the attack, the hotel housed five staff members from the German television network ZDF. Unfortunately, two people, namely a security guard and producer Svitlana Dolbysheva, suffered injuries as a result of the incident.

On December 22, 2023, photographer Vlada Liberova sustained injuries in the Donetsk Oblast. It is alleged that Russian forces deliberately targeted the vehicle she was traveling in, leading to injuries to her leg.

These attacks on journalists are not isolated incidents but rather a part of Russia's broader strategy to intimidate the press in Ukraine. This strategy includes detentions and criminal prosecutions targeting media workers and their families. In light of these actions, CFWIJ,  in collaboration with 20 other press freedom organizations, has released a joint statement. The statement urges international organizations to take action against Russia and hold it accountable for its war crimes committed against journalists.

In 2023, a disturbing number of seven women journalists were deliberately targeted by Russian strikes while reporting from the frontlines. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, CFWIJ has documented the tragic deaths of at least five women journalists. Oksana Baulina, Oksana Haidar, Oleksandra Kuvshynova, Vira Hyrych, and Victoria Amelina all lost their lives due to shelling carried out by Russian forces. These devastating losses highlight the grave dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and the urgent need for accountability and protection of press freedom.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering support and gratitude for the brave staff of Anadolu Agency and all journalists in Ukraine who courageously put their lives on the line to provide crucial coverage of the war's reality from the perspective of those directly affected by its daily horrors. We vehemently condemn this brazen act of aggression against those fulfilling their duty to report the truth. The safety and protection of journalists must be prioritized, and it is crucial for international bodies to take swift and decisive action to guarantee their well-being. In response to this appalling incident, we urgently appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Criminal Court to initiate a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack. It is of utmost importance that those responsible for this abhorrent act are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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