OSCE media freedom representative calls on authorities in Croatia not to obstruct journalists in their work, following incident at border

VIENNA, 20 October 2015 – Croatian law enforcement officers should facilitate the work of journalists reporting on the refugee crisis, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

“Law enforcement officers must ensure journalists’ safety and protect journalists’ right to report in a safe and free manner,” said Mijatović.

On 19 October, on the border between Croatia and Serbia, Croatian border police prevented a number of journalists from reporting on the events that took place in the area. Al Jazeera, Reuters and Associated Press journalists reportedly had been obstructed in their work. According to reports, Al Jazeera cameraman Boško Branković and AFP reporter Andrej Isaković had their equipment forcefully taken but later returned.

“Journalists must be allowed to report on the developments surrounding the refugee crisis in Europe,” Mijatović said. “I urge all relevant authorities to act in line with international standards and OSCE media freedom commitments when dealing with the media at border areas or during emergency situations.”

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.