OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack on editor in Serbia

VIENNA, 3 July 2014 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned yesterday’s brutal attack on the editor of FoNet news agency, Davor Pašalić.

“I condemn this brutal beating and join the calls for a swift and thorough investigation,” Mijatović said. “Acts of intimidation of journalists can create a chilling effect on freedom of the media in the country.”

On 2 July three individuals repeatedly attacked Pašalić near his home. Pašalić sustained serious head injuries from the attacks.

Mijatović welcomed Minister of Interior Nebojša Stefanović’s immediate condemnation of the attack and assurances that everything will be done to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Ministry of Culture, some of the leading political parties and the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS) issued similar statements.

“Journalists’ safety is a key issue in the OSCE region. There must be no impunity for crimes committed against media workers”, Mijatović said.

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.