Journalist Georgiy Gongadze’s death reshaped Ukraine, says his widow Myroslava Gongadze

She shared her thoughts on Espreso TV.

"On this day (September 16, 2000, when Georgiy Gongadze disappeared — every year on September 16, his memory is honored - ed.), I try not to work. I spend the day remembering, talking to my daughters, because although 24 years have passed, it still feels fresh. We’ve seen only partial justice — while all the direct perpetrators have been punished, those who ordered the crime remain untouched. As far as I know, the case is still pending with the General Prosecutor’s Office, but I don’t have access to it. I have no idea if there’s been any progress regarding those behind the crime," Myroslava Gongadze explained.

She believes that until justice is fully served in Gongadze’s case and in the many others where Ukrainian heroes have been targeted — whether by Russia or during the years of independence — Ukraine cannot heal.

"Georgiy transformed Ukraine, if not with his life, then with his death. Without his murder, who knows where Ukraine might be now — perhaps an authoritarian state like Belarus. President Kuchma wasn’t able to tighten his grip on power after that, and Gongadze’s death woke up Ukrainian society. The ‘Ukraine Without Kuchma’ protests strengthened civil society, and the resilience we have today to defend our country is part of that legacy. History has shown who was right and who was wrong. Through the Gongadze Prize, we’re continuing to honor his memory and protect journalists, because journalism in Ukraine today faces real challenges," Myroslava emphasized.

She added that targeting, following, and attempting to manipulate journalists are dangerous trends resurfacing in Ukraine today. This, she says, is a serious problem, and it’s crucial to understand how vital freedom of speech and a free press are to maintaining a healthy democracy.

• On September 16 at noon, a temporary memorial alley for Georgiy Gongadze will open on Kontraktova Square in Kyiv, followed by a commemorative event marking the 24th anniversary of his murder. The event is organized by the Georgiy Gongadze Prize.