OSCE Representative condemns attack on journalist in Russia, calls for swift and thorough investigation

VIENNA, 30 March 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned an attack on journalist Igor Rudnikov in Kaliningrad and called on the authorities to carry out a swift and thorough investigation into the case.

According to reports, on 17 March Rudnikov, the editor and founder of the Noviye Kolyosa newspaper, was attacked by a group of unidentified individuals at a café. He was hospitalized with multiple stab wounds. 

“I call on the authorities to take steps to improve the safety of media members and to end impunity for crimes against journalists," Mijatović said. “I wish Igor Rudnikov a quick recovery and hope that all those involved in this attack will be quickly identified and brought to justice.”

Mijatović noted that the Russian Union of Journalists expressed concern about the attack and, in their opinion, law enforcement authorities underestimated the seriousness of the attack by launching the investigation on charges of hooliganism.

The Representative also noted that Rudnikov was brutally assaulted in 1998. According to reports, the perpetrators of the attack were never identified.

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.