Poll Finds Ukrainians Believe They Have Freedom of Speech

KYIV, Ukraine, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --



An independently-conducted poll has found most Ukrainians believe freedom of speech is alive and well in their country, a finding in line with the Government's efforts to alter perceptions that it has failed to move away from its Soviet past.

The study conducted by the Democratic Initiatives Fund and the Razumkov Center found that just seven percent of respondents believe Ukraine has no freedom of speech while 65 percent believe the nation does have freedom of speech. A tenth of those questioned gave their country the maximum score.

The results are a big improvement on a similar poll in 2011 in which 33 percent said Ukraine has freedom of speech.

Half of those questioned believe the media in Ukraine presents varying viewpoints and they trust Ukrainian media (58 percent) more than they do Russian information sources (33percent).

The survey results will doubtless be welcomed by those close to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who has in the past bemoaned the "mistaken stereotype regarding the lack of freedom of speech."

He has frequently pointed out that his government has left behind its Soviet past and enacted freedom of information laws.

"These latest survey results don't surprise us. You only have to look at our vibrant digital media and blogosphere in Ukraine to see the broad range of opinions in our society," a Ukrainian government spokesman said. The survey found a third of Ukrainians get their news online.

"But unfortunately there are still those who chose not to see the changes that have taken place in our nation," he added.

The Government's reform agenda, from the new criminal code to new tax laws and, more recently, intellectual property laws, are aimed at bringing Ukraine in line with the world's best norms and practices.

Much of this change is aimed at helping Ukraine sign an Association Agreement with the EU, although Kiev points out it has a deep and long-standing commitment to the reform process.

Should all go to plan for the Yanukovych government, it will sign the Association Agreement at the Eastern Partnership conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, in November.

SOURCE Ukraine Monitor

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