The repatriation of the body of the Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in February 2025 aroused a wave of emotions and questions within the journalistic community and beyond. By investigating the tragic reality thousands of tortured Ukrainian civilians detained outside of any legal framework since the invasion of February 2022, Roshchchyna had undertaken a job that was going well beyond a simple report. His commitment raises crucial questions about the protection of journalists, freedom of expression and the responsibility of states at war.
First, it is necessary to recall the context in which these events take place. The war in Ukraine, which started in 2022, caused a major humanitarian crisis. Millions of people have been moved, while thousands of others have suffered human rights violations. Arbitrary detentions and civil torture are realities documented by several human rights organizations. In this context, the work of investigative journalists, like Roshchchyna, is essential to exhibit these abuses and report on the truth on the field. However, this mission includes considerable risks.
Laurent Richard, journalist and founder of Forbidden Stories, stressed the importance of supporting journalists working in hostile contexts. While the threats to reporters in conflict areas are well known, the case of Roshchyna unfortunately demonstrates the tragic consequences that an unwavering commitment to the truth can generate. The loss of journalists in crisis raises the question of the vulnerability of those who seek to inform the public.
It is necessary to question the protection mechanisms of journalists during conflict. What measures can states and international organizations set up to ensure the security of reporters in war areas? Lack of protection and assistance can lead to a climate of fear that prevents other journalists from conducting essential surveys. The answer to these questions is all the more urgent in the context of a war which, more than any other, requires total transparency and access to information.
The Roshchyna affair also highlights the challenges of freedom of expression. In conflict situations, this freedom is often seriously compromised. The dissemination of information, in particular that concerning abuse and violations, is often hampered by government restrictions. Journalists can be perceived not only as witnesses, but also as adversaries by the actors engaged in the conflict. How then to find a balance between national security and public law to information?
Following his death, votes were raised to call for global awareness and concrete actions. These requests go beyond the tribute to an individual; They call for a broader reflection on the role of society in the protection of journalists. How can we guarantee that tragedies like Roshchyna that do not happen again and that other journalists can continue their work without fear for their lives?
The heritage of Viktoria Roshchyna is that of a commitment to the truth and a desire to document injustices. The answer to his tragic journey must live up to his commitment. A real dialogue on the protection of journalists in danger and freedom of expression must be established. By enlightening these issues, we participate in the construction of a more concerned society of the rights of each, where the votes of the most vulnerable can be heard.
In short, the repatriation of the body of Viktoria Roshchyna is not only a news item. It is a call for action for all those who believe in the invaluable value of information, to the protection of journalists, and to the incessant quest for truth in a troubled world. The challenges are numerous, but the collective commitment for a future where abuses do not remain in the shadows is the only way to follow to honor the memory of those who have sacrificed their lives in this quest.