The National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine (Suspilne/NOTU) appealed to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to take urgent measures in connection with the shelling of TV towers in Kyiv and Kharkiv by the Russian army, attack on websites and jamming of the satellite signal.

The applicant is represented by Serhiy Zayets, a lawyer with the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union, ZMINA reports.

The application was made under Rule 39 of the Rules of Court, which provides for its examination and for the ECtHR to take urgent measures.

"This case concerns the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. In addition to directly threatening the lives of civilians as a result of hostilities and battles, Russia is also attacking the media. These attacks hinder the free dissemination of information about threats, so that the civilian population cannot react properly and leave dangerous places. The applicant's speech helps people to make decisions and stay safe. In an environment where the situation is changing rapidly and frequently, prompt information is the only way to avoid a threat. For example, Suspilne systematically broadcasts information about air alarms, helps to keep calm and counteract misinformation," said Serhiy Zayets.

He said that even if the Russian government ignored the ECtHR's requirements, it would be important for further bringing Russia to justice.

The rocket attacks came at the same time as attacks on Suspilne’s websites - cyberattacks aimed at removing online video archives - and jamming a satellite signal.