Freedom of speech remains a fundamental value for Ukrainian society. Despite the restrictions of martial law and individual cases of obstruction and pressure on journalists and media outlets, freedom of expression and independent journalism remain in place in our country, as does space for criticism of the authorities, investigations and public debate.
Why is it important for us to protect this right during the war? How can we find a balance between freedom of speech and national security when the enemy is trying to influence the information space, our thoughts and actions, to undermine trust, divide and demotivate us? Is Ukrainian society capable of distinguishing its own internal debate from Russian PSYOPs and imposed narratives? And can we win the information war without losing ourselves as a democracy?
Speakers:
Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech;
Ihor Rozkladai, expert in media law and digital policy, Deputy Director of the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law;
Kateryna Kobernyk, editor-in-chief of Babel.
