OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack on journalist, calls on authorities in Skopje for swift investigation

VIENNA, 23 July 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today wrote to Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki in Skopje, calling for a swift and transparent investigation following a recent attack on a journalist in the country.

On 28 June, journalist Cornelia Krebs, who was reporting on border migration issues for the Austrian public service broadcaster ORF, was physically attacked by a local law enforcement officer, on the border to Greece. The law enforcement officer also attempted to confiscate her camera and other journalistic equipment. Krebs reported this incident to the police.

“This attack is totally unacceptable, as it constitutes a direct threat to free media,” Mijatović said. “Investigative journalism is one of the pillars of free media and journalists must be free to report on issues of public interest without fear of violence.”

“The authorities should publicly condemn this and all other attacks on journalists and media workers, and ensure swift and transparent investigations,” Mijatović wrote in the letter to the Foreign Minister.

“There must be no impunity for attacks or threats against journalists,” 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.