SBU checking computers at Strana.ua e-zine for state secrets

Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) agents are searching computers in the editorial offices of the Kyiv-based Strana.ua Internet news portal and the homes of two Strana.ua employees for state secrets," SBU spokeswoman Olena Hitlianska has said.

"SBU agents in Kyiv are conducting court-authorized searches at the e-zine's offices and in the homes of two journalists… They are checking computer equipment for materials containing state secrets," Hitlianska said on her Facebook page. She said the actions are taking place as part of the criminal case pursuant to Part 1 of Article 328 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (leaking state secrets).

Hitlianska said Strana.ua is working normally.

Editor-in-chief of Strana.ua Ihor Huzhva, meanwhile, said the searches are connected with state secrets "which they found on some kind of flash card." He added that SBU agents said they were looking for a flash memory card.

Huzhva said: "No state secrets have been found on any flash cards so far." He added that the searches were being conducted in order to intimidate employees.

Huzhva was arrested on June 22 in Kyiv on suspicion of committing crimes pursuant to Part 3 of Article 189 of Ukraine's Criminal Code (extortion). He was freed on UAH 544,000 bail.