Russian TV Rain journalists deported, say separatists in eastern Ukraine

Separatists in eastern Ukraine claim to have expelled two journalists from Russian independent television station TV Rain, accusing them of “biased and provocative” coverage.

Authorities in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic stated on Friday 25 November that they had “deported” TV Rain journalists Sergei Yerzhenkov and Vasily Polonsky. According to the statement, the two men were conducting “illegal journalistic activity”.

TV Rain reports that it lost contact with the journalists on Friday, and that the channel had gained permission to report from the region both from the separatist and Ukrainian authorities.

TV Rain is an independent channel, known for its critical position towards the Russian government. It has been the subject of considerable pressure in recent months, including being accused by pro-Kremlin group “Anti-Maidan” of extremist crimes.

Source: Radio Liberty