Investigative journalists from the Bihus
Info agency recently highlighted a high-profile issue by officially submitting complaints to the Verkhovna Rada and the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP). This response came amid active behavior from MP Oleksii Honcharenko of the "European Solidarity" faction, who, according to journalists, is exerting pressure and abusing his official position. The main cause for concern was a publication on May 12 on the Bihus.Info YouTube channel, in which the investigative team criticized Honcharenko. In the report, the MPs were accused of "hype-making" and "gr движжкосіянстві" — that is, of running an intensive and persistent campaign to open "Honcharenko Centers" across Ukraine. According to journalists, this is part of a broader strategy to create a positive image, which, according to activists from the "Chesno" movement, is funded by major businessman Oleg Bakhmatyuk, who was notified of suspicion by NABU and SAPO in 2022 in investigations related to possible involvement in corruption schemes. Equally critical was Honcharenko's attitude towards his media coverage. It is known that he voted against extending the wartime regime and mobilization in Ukraine, raising justified questions about his political positions and his support for national security. In response to publications and investigations, the MP sent an official request to the Bihus.Info editorial office demanding disclosure of the media's funding sources. Additionally, he posted on his Telegram channel calling himself a "deputy teacher" and Denys Bihus — "a student," which provoked sharp criticism and even accusations of pressure, as journalists state that such actions are not "school lessons" but rather a real attempt to combat independent media activity. Bihus.Info characterizes this situation as an attempt to manipulate and intimidate journalists. The agency emphasized that their principle is to publish only on topics important to society, refusing to accept any external influence regarding content or coverage order. They highlight that their project funding comes from transparent sources — including international donor organizations, with which they cooperate in accordance with open reports. The journalists stated that in response to Honcharenko’s actions— which they described as "open pressure" and abuse of power — they have filed statements with relevant oversight bodies. In particular, they addressed the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Freedom of Speech, the Ethics Committee, and NACP regarding a potential conflict of interest. They stressed that appeals to donors and advertisers aimed at hindering their editorial policy are unacceptable and directly violate journalistic standards. In response to organizational pressure and informational harassment, Honcharenko on May 14 disseminated via Telegram that he received a reply from the independent European fund — the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative (EUACI) — which allegedly confirms that Bihus.Info has been receiving funding of one million euros since 2020. According to him, these funds were allocated to ensure the "institutional stability" of investigative journalism in the fight against corruption in Ukraine. However, Honcharenko questions the objectivity of this support, accusing journalists of using foreign funds to produce reports with dishonest journalistic standards, including use of obscene language and intrusive surveillance of others. He considers these issues as problems that should be addressed. The MP promises to soon disclose all financial figures and provide a detailed report on journalists' funding and assets, emphasizing that transparency and accountability are fundamental to his vision of honest work in the fight against corruption. Moreover, Honcharenko expressed the opinion that Bihus and its team allegedly seek "to take all the money for themselves," and that their staff are paid minimal salaries. He links these suspicions to concerns over the transparency of the editorial office’s finances and plans to establish public oversight of independent media funding sources in Ukraine to ensure their integrity and openness. Overall, the tensions between the MP and the independent media sector continue to deepen. While Bihus.Info states its readiness to fight for honest and independent journalism, Honcharenko plans to monitor the finances and activities of their investigative content. It is highly likely that this situation will become one of the key obstacles to the further development of transparent and responsible media practices in Ukraine.