OSCE Representative calls for respect of media regulator’s independence in Latvia

SARAJEVO, 30 June 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called for the respect of the media regulator’s independence in Latvia.

“Any decision not based on the law governing the work of the independent regulator can be seen as interference with their decision-making process,” Mijatović said.

In a letter on 15 June, eleven Members of the Parliament, including representatives from the governing coalition parties, asked the Parliament to dismiss four members of the National Electronic Mass Media Council. They argued that the Council members are no longer suitable to hold their positions because of the alleged “loss of their good reputation.”

“I urge the members of the Latvian Parliament to carefully examine this proposal as the independence of national media regulators is a basic pre-condition for preserving and facilitating free media and free expression,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović is in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on an official visit.

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