Ukraine's press freedom record attacked

The Council of Europe has launched a scathing attack on the Ukraine's press freedom record.

A Council spokeswoman said the murder of the journalist, Georgy Gongadze, was a symbol of the physical and psychological pressure exerted on journalists, and called for a thorough and transparent inquiry into the killing.

The headless body of the journalist, who was often critical of the authorities and corruption in high places, was found near Kiev in November but he was only identified two weeks ago.

The secretary general of the press watchdog group, Reporters sans Frontieres Robert Menard, asked the Council to impose sanctions on Ukraine which, as a member of the Council of Europe, is obliged to respect fundamental rights. The Council was due to hear a tape recording allegedly implicating President Kuchma in Mr Gongadze's murder.

The Ukrainian authorities insist the tape is a forgery.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service