Ukrainian Security Service summons 47 people for questioning in the RIA Novosti case
Deputy Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Viktor Kononenko, told Ukrainski Novyny that the SBU has sent out 47 summons for questioning for people related to the case of high treason against Chief Editor of RIA Novosti, Kirill Vyshinsky.
According to Kononenko, interrogations are scheduled to take place soon. He informed media that all searches have been carried out to completion, including investigation of the RIA Novosti-Ukraine office.
Kirill Vyshinsky was arrested near his home on May 15 after being accused of state treason. The SBU’s press-service reported that a Russian passport and a medal “for the return of the Crimea” were found at his home.
The SBU stated that in spring 2014, Vyshinsky traveled to the Crimea where he directly participated in propaganda activities aimed at supporting Russia’s annexation and attainment of the peninsula. After returning to Kyiv, Vyshinsky ordered his subordinate journalists to prepare materials in favor of separatist organizations of the Luhansk and the Donetsk People’s Republics. He allegedly worked under instructions from the Russia Today International News Agency.
Russia recognized that Vyshinsky obtained Russian citizenship in September 2015. An application for preventive measures for Vyshinsky will be considered by the Kherson City Court on May 17; however, the Prosecutor’s Office plans to insist on his arrest.