OSCE Representative welcomes start of investigation to identify those behind disclosing journalists’ personal data in Ukraine

VIENNA, 2 June 2016 – Noting the investigation launched in Kyiv today, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, reiterated her call for a swift and transparent judicial procedure to identify those responsible of the disclosure of personal data of journalists accredited in the east of Ukraine.  

“I am hopeful that the investigation will bring those responsible for leaking and publishing personal data of the journalists on Mirotvorets website to justice,” Mijatović said, referring to an investigation just started under the recently enforced article of the Penal Code of Ukraine on obstruction of the lawful professional activity of a journalist.

Kyiv police today requested that the journalists listed on Mirotvorets would file formal complaints if they indeed have been intimidated or received threats in order to bring the investigation forward.

“Publishing this data could seriously endanger journalists’ safety,” Mijatović said. “Journalists in Ukraine should be able to carry out their work in the Donbas region and elsewhere free from threats, harassment and intimidation.”

The Representative earlier publicly called the authorities to start the investigation and make efforts to stop the threats, see //www.osce.org/fom/239646 and //www.osce.org/fom/242406

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.