The International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists send their condolences to Ukraine journalists following the death last week of Igor Lubchenko, the recently retired Chair of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU).
"The NUJU has lost a great leader and one of its most committed fighters. Igor struggled all his life for the cause of journalists in the Ukraine. I stand here to show on behalf of the global family of journalists my respect to a great champion, and express our deep sorrow to the bereaved family and NUJU members and wish them courage to bear this irreparable loss," said IFJ President, Jim Boumelha.
"I am saddened to hear of the death of our colleague Igor Lubchenko," said Arne König, President of the European Federation of Journalists. "He worked hard on behalf of his members in the NUJU leading them through some very tough political and financial times and always maintaining his focus on the difficult conditions that Ukraine journalists faced."
Igor Lubchenko, who died 13 May 2012, was chair of the NUJU between 1997 and 2012. He retired in April this year and Oleg Nalyvayko, former director of the national UNIAN Ukrainian Independent Information and News Agency, was elected his successor.
"From our common work in Ukraine I know Igor Lubchenko will be remembered as a colleague who helped the journalists in the country, a person with a warm heart," added König.
The IFJ represents over 600.000 journalists in 134 countries in the world
The EFJ represents over 260,000 journalists in 30 countries
