C. Freedom of expression 224. Journalists’ safety continues to be a serious issue in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions due to fighting between the Government’s security forces and armed groups. On 24 May, an Italian photojournalist, Andrea Rocchelli, and his interpreter, Andrey Mironov, Russian citizen, were killed under mortar fire, while covering fighting between government forces and armed groups in Andreyevka near Slovyansk, Donetsk region. On 9 May, it was reported that a freelance cameraman of the video agency RUPTLY, which is part of the TV channel Russia Today, was wounded while filming events in Mariupol. Reportedly, he received necessary medical treatment and is in satisfactory condition. 225. The working environment for journalists has become increasingly dangerous, with the threat of abduction and illegal detention by armed groups. On 7 May, it was reported that armed groups in Luhansk offered a reward of USD 2,000-10,000 for each detained journalist. The HRMMU continues to closely monitor cases of detentions of journalists in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Although all but one of the journalists abducted and known to the HRMMU before 6 May (cut-off date of the previous report) have been released, the HRMMU is aware of new cases abducted after that date. The HRMMU interviewed many of the released journalists, who reported ill-treatment, beatings, and sexual harassment (of women). They also confirmed the fact that other detainees were being kept in the seized administrative buildings; but the exact number and their identities remain unknown. 226. Also, journalists and editorial offices continue to be threatened and intimidated by armed groups. For instance, on 14 May, the HRMMU received credible reports that those journalists who work in the region but refuse to comply with the orders of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” are threatened and harassed. Reportedly, the state regional television is in a particularly difficult situation; its office has been practically blocked by approximately 100 heavily armed men. On 21 May, an unidentified man called the editorial office of the Public television of Donetsk region and threatened its journalists. 227. Local journalists have reported having to flee Donetsk and Luhansk regions due to such threats and intimidation. On 8 May, two journalists from Donetsk had to move to Lviv out of fear of persecution and threats. On 13 May, an internet resource in Severodonetsk (Luhansk region) announced the forced suspension of activities and advised its journalists to leave the town because of growing pressure and threats against their lives from the armed groups. On 27 May, the editorial office of another local web-based outlet was forced to relocate to a different town, reportedly, due to threats from the self-proclaimed “Army of the South-East”. On 26 May, it was reported that the publisher and editor in chief of one of the local newspapers in Kramatorsk was forced to flee the region with his family due to threats they were receiving after he had refused to publish materials armed representatives of “Donetsk People’s Republic” demanded him to publish. Arbitrary arrests of journalists 228. In the reporting period, Ukrainian and Russian journalists have been arbitrarily arrested; this raises concerns about the possibility for journalists to conduct their professional activities safely. 108 | P a g e