The Head of Volyn Regional Council, member of the presidium of the UKROP party Ihor Palytsya relates the attempt to withdraw “1+1” TV channel’s license to the desire of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to revenge against Ihor Kolomoisky for his pro-Ukrainian position and significant contribution to putting an end to the so-called ‘Russian spring’.
On his Facebook page the politician has reminded that in 2014, Ihor Kolomoisky was the only representative of big business, who defended Ukraine with millions of patriots, risking everything, including their lives, at the same time PrivatBank and “1+1” TV channel took the pro-Ukrainian position and made everything possible to keep Ukraine together and to provide truthful coverage of events. As a result, the businessman became Putin’s enemy number one, PrivatBank was nationalized in Russia, Crimea and Ukraine, “1+1” TV channel’s license may be revoked, while its journalists are being detained in Russia.
“Maybe Ihor Kolomoisky was wrong, when in March 2014 he put everything at stake, including his life, defending Ukraine? Or maybe he underestimated Putin’s possibilities? Or maybe he just couldn’t imagine that Putin has such a long arm and so many officials in our country in his pocket?” wrote Ihor Palytsya.
The representative of UKROP has also drawn attention to lacking international community’s response to the situation with possible revocation of the license of “1+1” TV channel – one of the biggest independent broadcasters in Ukraine. “I remember reaction of the Ambassadors of the “Big Seven” on the conflict around Inter TV channel: they rose up as one to defend freedom of expression – as far as they understand it. Was I the only one who didn’t hear and read anything about “1+ 1”? Or they are not interested, like Russia, in independent media? And do we need such friends?” outraged Ihor Palytsya.
It is to be recalled in September 2015 Ihor Palytsya said that the Presidential Administration of Ukraine had ordered to find a reason for closing “1+1” TV channel.
