Wiretapping of Macedonian journalists unacceptable, OSCE Representative says, calls for swift investigation

VIENNA, 27 February 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today urged a swift investigation of the wiretapping of Macedonian journalists.

“Eavesdropping and surveillance of journalists is unacceptable. This only further weakens the already endangered media freedom environment in the country,” Mijatović said.

According to information available to the Representative’s office, on 25 February several journalists received files with excerpts of their wiretapped conversations.

“This is a grave and disproportionate infringement of journalists’ rights to do their jobs and to protect their sources. These actions must be investigated in a swift, transparent, and independent manner and the perpetrators must be brought to justice,” 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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.