Previously the representatives of mass media could attend committee sessions only by invitation.

The law, which sets forth that for journalists and mass media workers, accredited by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the additional accreditation for attending committee sessions is not conducted, has come into force, RBC-Ukraine reports.

The text of the document is published in “Uriadovyi Kurier”. The law comes into force on the next day after its publishing.

Previously mass media could attend committee sessions only by invitation.

Thus, this law sets forth that committees inform public about its activities, in particular, by promulgating the work plan, the schedule of committee sessions, the approved by committees acts, minutes and shorthand reports of committee sessions and hearings. Journalists, mass media workers and representatives of public organizations have the right to attend sessions and other events of committees, which are conducted publicly.

It is emphasized that committee sessions are hold openly and publicly, except for cases, when as per decision of the committee the non-public session is conducted. At open committee sessions, the attendees of sessions have the right to do audio and video recording, photo and video shooting, radio and TV broadcasting, online broadcasting in the Internet and/or other networks of data transfer.

Attendees of the session should inform about audio and video recording, photo and video shooting, radio and TV broadcasting, online broadcasting in the Internet and/or other networks of data transfer before the beginning of sessions to the chairperson, who announces about this before consideration of items of the agenda.

In case of attendees’ violation of the procedure for holding the session or disturbance of committee session, as per committee’s decision such persons can be removed from the session hall.

It should be reminded that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine established that for journalists and mass media workers, accredited by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the additional accreditation for attending committee sessions is not conducted. This draft law №1228 has been endorsed by 232 people’s deputies.