OSCE Representative denounces conviction of independent journalist and blogger in Russia

VIENNA, 22 January 2015 – OSCE Media Freedom Representative Dunja Mijatović today raised her concern about the sentence handed down to journalist Sergei Reznik, an investigative journalist and blogger in Rostov-on-Don, Russia.

On 22 January the Leninsky Court of Rostov-on-Don found Reznik guilty on charges of false accusation and insulting public officials and ordered him into confinement for three years in a penal colony. Reznik was also banned from working as a journalist for a year after having served his sentence.

“Punishing and sending journalists to prison for doing their job is unacceptable,” Mijatović said. “Instead of ensuring protection and independence of members of the media, the authorities are effectively limiting the space for public debate and the citizens’ right to freedom of information.”

Reznik is serving another sentence for insulting a public official, petty bribery and deliberately misleading authorities, a case Mijatović raised with the authorities in December 2013.

Mijatović also noted statements on the case by various professional and human rights organizations, including the Russian Union of Journalists.  

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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.