OSCE Media Freedom representative mourns death of Russian journalist Beketov, appeals for his attackers to be found

VIENNA, 8 April 2013 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today expressed deep sorrow following the death of a Russian journalist Mikhail Beketov.

A savage attack in 2008 left him permanently paralyzed and unable to speak. Just last year he was awarded the governmental prize for dedication to the profession.

“I offer my condolences to Mikhail Beketov’s relatives, colleagues and friends. I regret that he did not live to see his attackers brought to justice. Those who try to silence journalists cannot be allowed to do so with impunity. I repeat my call to the Russian authorities to track down and prosecute those responsible.”