OSCE representative deeply concerned about deteriorating media freedom situation in eastern Ukraine

VIENNA, 8 April 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed her concern about the deteriorating media freedom situation, especially regarding journalists’ safety, in eastern Ukraine.

“Once again journalists have become one of the primary targets of violence in Ukraine,” Mijatović said. “I call on the authorities to take determined and vigorous steps to stop threats to the media community.”

On 7 April a group of protesters broke in to the offices of the Kharkiv-based ATN television channel, seized and destroyed equipment and harassed ATN journalists. Reportedly, on the same day there were also attempts to storm the offices of the state television in Donetsk and Kharkiv Regional Broadcasting Centre. Further, the IRTA channel in Luhansk was also attacked.  

“Attempts to silence members of the media cannot be tolerated, there must be no impunity for the perpetrators,” Mijatović said. “Law-enforcement agencies should do their utmost to ensure safe working conditions for journalists and prevent acts of violence toward editorial offices.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.