Killing of yet another journalist in Ukraine a gruesome reminder of alarming safety situation for journalists, OSCE Representative says

VIENNA, 1 March 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that the death of Sergei Nikolayev, a photojournalist with the Ukrainian newspaper Segodnya, in eastern Ukraine shows the need for urgent efforts to ensure journalists’ safety in conflict zones. 

 “Nikolayev’s death is yet another gruesome reminder of the alarming situation concerning journalists’ safety during the crisis in and around Ukraine,” Mijatović said, expressing her sincere condolences to Nikolayev’s family and colleagues.

According to reports, Nikolayev was injured in an artillery attack in the village of Peski in the Donetsk region on 28 February. He was taken to hospital but died of his wounds.

“I reiterate my call to all parties in the conflict in eastern Ukraine to ensure the safety of members of the media. The respective parties have full responsibility for the territory they control in times of conflict,” Mijatović said.

The Representative also reminded of her repeated calls to the Ukrainian authorities to fully investigate the circumstances of all deadly attacks and violence against members of the media.

“Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable and justice must be served,” 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.