Murder of Gongadze must be fully investigated, Mijatović says, calls on authorities in Ukraine to end climate of impunity

VIENNA, 16 September 2015 – On the 15th anniversary of the disappearance of prominent Ukrainian journalist Georgyi Gongadze, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, reiterated her call on the authorities to fully investigate the crime. Gongadze went missing on 16 September 2000 and was later found dead outside Kyiv.

“Gongadze paid the ultimate price for his courageous work,” Mijatović said. “Fifteen years on, his murder continues to have a dampening effect on the free expression and free media in Ukraine. The masterminds behind this vicious crime must be brought to justice.”

Mijatović also expressed concern about the lack of progress in the investigations of at least nine killings and numerous attacks against members of the media since the start of the conflict in and around the country.

“I call on the authorities to intensify investigations into the attacks on journalists to bring those responsible to justice,” Mijatović wrote in a letter to Pavlo Klimkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on 27 August.

“Addressing the issue of impunity is an essential step to improve the safety of journalists and to promote a culture of respect for, and understanding of, the important role journalists play in a democratic society.”

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.