OSCE Representative condemns attacks and threats against journalists in Croatia, welcomes quick arrests

VIENNA, 29 May 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned recent attacks and threats on Croatian journalists.

Yesterday’s violence includes an attack on investigative journalist and blogger Željko Peratović at his home near Karlovac and a death threat sent to Saša Leković, a journalist and president of the Croatian Association of Journalists.

“The attack on Peratović is unacceptable, however I am encouraged by reports that the Croatian authorities acted swiftly, arresting possible perpetrators,” Mijatović said.

According to reports, on Thursday evening Peratović was attacked by three men outside his home in Luka Pokupska and was hospitalized with head injuries. According to media reports, police have apprehended three suspects. Peratović is a well-known investigative journalist and last year’s winner of the Croatian Journalists Association award for investigative journalism.

In another incident this morning, the president of the Croatian Association of Journalists, Saša Leković, received a package by mail containing a threat. He reported the threat to the police and handed over the package for investigation. Since taking up his position a few months ago, Leković has received a number of threats through social media.

According to the Croatian Association of Journalists there have been recent additional attacks on 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.