Ukrainian MP Klympush-Tsintsadze files police report over suspicious filming of her home by unknown individuals

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the parliamentary Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the European Union (European Solidarity faction), has contacted law enforcement authorities over the filming of her home by unidentified individuals.

"This morning, some unknown people approached the fence near our house and were filming our house and the yard, one with a camera, another either taking photos or recording video on a phone. After someone approached them and asked who they were and what they wanted, these individuals began asking whether Ivanna lives here and requested my phone number. But no one introduced themselves or showed any identification, so they received no information. After that, they filmed a bit more and then walked away from the house," Klympush-Tsintsadze told Interfax-Ukraine on Saturday.

In the lawmaker’s view, the unidentified individuals were not journalists, since media representatives have interviewed her many times and her phone number can be easily found. She noted that unclear filming from behind the fence, recording the house, and failing to identify themselves suggest that the incident has little in common with genuine, good-faith journalistic activity.

"This is some kind of unclear targeted story. I believe it could be connected either to my principled, firm stance against the illegal, through the circumvention of various legislative procedures, development of ridgelines with wind turbines in the Carpathian Mountains; or possibly to my consistent position regarding how slowly, contrary to declarations and statements, European integration is progressing; or to other positions of mine that may not be liked by those in power or their henchmen," Klympush-Tsintsadze said.

The member of parliament stressed that in any case, especially during the legal regime of martial law, "such outings by unclear individuals may indicate attempts to exert pressure on me or on my family."

In addition, Klympush-Tsintsadze suggested that a discrediting campaign could follow these events.

"For taking a clear and principled stance on various issues, our team has for a long time constantly faced attempts at pressure and the launch of dirty information campaigns. So I do not rule out that some kind of discrediting campaign could follow these outings," the lawmaker said.

Klympush-Tsintsadze considers such actions unacceptable.

"I appeal to those who can stop this: stop and focus on documenting those who today are violating the law and acting contrary to the interests of the state and the nation," the committee chair said.

Klympush-Tsintsadze reported that she had contacted law enforcement authorities and "filed a statement with the police."