OSCE representative calls for immediate release of missing photojournalist in eastern Ukraine

VIENNA, 11 August 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about reports that Andrey Stenin, a photojournalist with the Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency, went missing in eastern Ukraine on 5 August.

“I call for Stenin’s immediate release,” Mijatović said. 

In addition, Mijatović again demanded the release of Yury Lelyavsky, a freelance journalist with ZIK, and Yevgeny Shlyakhtin and Yevgeny Tymofeyev contributors to various Ukrainian media, who have gone missing recently (see statements of 25 July: www.osce.org/fom/121824 and 5 August: //www.osce.org/fom/122396).

“This dangerous practice of detaining and abducting media workers is unacceptable and must end,” Mijatović said. “I call on those responsible to stop targeting journalists for carrying out their work.” 

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.