Ukraine: CFWIJ condemns the sudden layoffs in Kyiv Post — The Coalition For Women In Journalism

November 10, 2021, Kyiv – Kyiv Post, Ukraine's largest independent English-language newspaper, abruptly suspended operations on Monday after its owner Adnan Kivan dismissed all staffers in the newsroom. The sudden dismissal came amid an ongoing disagreement between its real-estate tycoon Kivan and the publication's editorial team. More than 50 journalists, including 29 women, employed by the 26-year-old newspaper were fired without notice. In a statement signed by "The Kyiv Post Newsroom" the journalists dubbed the move an "act of vengeance" by Kivan as the newsroom had refused to budge on editorial independence at the publication. They accused Kivan of trying to get rid of "inconvenient" journalists. The Coalition For Women In Journalists is alarmed at this blatant attack on press freedom. We urge the owner to accept the appeal of the editorial team and allow them to operate independently. No country can thrive without a free and independent press. Robust journalism like the kind practiced by Kyiv Post for 26 years must be protected.

On November 8, Kivan declared this development on the newspaper's website, terming the closure as temporary. Kivan did not clarify the reason behind his decision but said the publication would be operational again with a new team.

The CFWIJ strongly condemns the overt disregard for the value of these respected journalists. The dismissal of talented and experienced staff, preceded by attempts to influence editorial policy is unacceptable.

Two days ago Kyiv Post suddenly stopped publication. "One day we will reopen the newspaper bigger and better," Adnan Kivan said on the newspaper’s website. However, journalists at the news outlet claimed otherwise. In a joint statement by Kyiv Post's reporters, they said the reason for the shutdown came just after Kivan's attempt to "violate" their editorial independence.

"We consider the cessation of publication and the dismissal of the paper's staff to be an act of vengeance by Adnan Kivan," the news outlet said in a statement.

The Kyiv Post has been killed.

Our entire team was fired today by the owner, Odesa real estate developer Adnan Kivan.

The notice came amid the ongoing attacks on the paper’s independence. @KyivPost has been Ukraine’s Global Voice for 26 years.

Our statement: pic.twitter.com/q10dLamWoK
— Anastasiia Lapatina (@lapatina_) November 8, 2021

Journalists added that Kivan decided to expand Kyiv Post by launching a publication in Ukrainian with the same name three weeks ago. He also chose an editor to oversee the new product, which raised concerns among staff that he was aiming to limit their independence.

Reporters also included that Kivan attempted to get rid of inconvenient, fair, and honest journalists. Reporter Anastasia Lapatina took to Twitter to share the entire statement. She described the sudden closure as a 'killing of Kyiv Post'. "Our entire team was fired today by the owner, Odessa real estate developer Adnan Kivan. The notice came amid the ongoing attacks on the paper’s independence," she quoted on her Twitter account.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL), the Kyiv Post has at times criticized Ukraine's leadership, highlighting the slow progress in Western-backed reforms, including the substantial fight against corruption. However, although the spokesman of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Serhiy Nykyforov, denied the allegations, the country's administration may pressure Kivan to silence critical voices in the newsroom. "Today's news came as a surprise to us as well as everyone else," was said on Facebook.

Kyiv Post was one of the largest and prestigious English newspapers in Ukraine. There is no further elucidation yet for the fate of the newspaper, which has been a critical voice for 26 years.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends solidarity with the dismissed staff. We consider this decision inconsiderate to the respected and accomplished women journalists and we strongly condemn the overt disregard for the value of these respected journalists. We are particularly distressed for the women journalists who lost their jobs. Given the challenging industry that, research shows, has become increasingly difficult for women journalists, finding work amidst a pandemic is a daunting task.