MOSCOW, September 8. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomes the international organizations’ condemnation of the recent arson attack on Ukraine’s Inter TV channel’s building in Kiev, official spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"We are glad that after the principal assessment of the incident given by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the international political organizations and even Kiev’s political partners joined the condemnation of this blatant violation of mass media rights," Zakharova said.
"We express hope that the international institutions will not limit themselves to words and will keep a watchful eye on the outcome of the investigation," the diplomat stressed.
She noted that "this time the international community has shown unanimity in not allowing violence against mass media in a country that considers itself to be democratic and has demanded that Ukraine’s authorities conduct immediate investigation into this illegal act."
"What else does the official Kiev need to stop the propaganda implying that anyone who does not like the statements of a journalist should consider it possible to use direct pressure on mass media," she added.
The European Union has earlier called for an independent investigation into the attack and criminal responsibility for those who use violence against journalists and mass media outlets.
On September 4, some 20 unidentified persons in camouflage uniforms pitched tents near one of the Inter buildings in Kiev. They chanted slogans, accusing the TV staff members of pro-Russian views. The protesters started burning tires at the main entrance to the building. Later, they broke into the building, setting the TV studio on fire. Police first arrested eight suspects of arson, but then they were released with administrative protocols issued. Several staff members of the TV channel sought medical assistance.