L. Stupak’s behavior in not in line with the Code of Ethics of a Ukrainian journalist – the Commission’s conclusion

The head of the Labor and Social Welfare Department of the Executive Committee of the Mukachevo City Council, Natalia Zotova, received a response from the Journalism Ethics Commission, which, as we reported, a complaint against L. Stupak, the editor of a local Chop newspaper had been filed to. "All allegations were confirmed and the methods that this person resorts to, calling herself a journalist, were condemned!", – N. Zotova commented on the decision. 

"Using offensive speech against N. Zotova and her colleagues, – the commission believes, – L. Stupak not only disrespected the people she was dealing with, but also damaged the reputation of journalistsm. Such actions deserve unequivocal condemnation."

Despite the fact that "in several cases, confirmed by video footage, N. Zotova incorrectly operates the norms and refers to the current legislation, in particular – the Law of Ukraine "On Information",… the refusal to provide information even for an invalid reason should not be grounds for violation of professional standards, including ethical behavior – this kind of conflict situations should be resolved legally, using legal procedures.

The Commission believes that the said statements and conduct are inadmissible in the work of journalists, and also are not in line with the Code of Ethics of a Ukrainian Journalist that does not allow journalists to use offensive and obscene words (Article 15 of the Code).

The Commission has decided to make a public statement condemning the actions pf the editor of the newspaper "Syla narodnoho kontrolyu – Chop" L. Stupak and the dissemination of the materials containing insults to N. Zotova and her colleagues" – the decision signed by the Chairman of the Commission Andriy Kulikov reads.