Arrest warrant against United States journalist reason for concern, says OSCE media freedom representative

VIENNA, 14 September 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović expressed concern today about a warrant issued for the arrest of Amy Goodman, a broadcast journalist in the United States, stemming from coverage of protests concerning an oil pipeline on Native American land in North Dakota.

“Pressing charges against a journalist for trespassing while reporting on an event of national significance can have a negative impact on journalists' right to do their work,” Mijatović said. “I call on the authorities to drop the charges and respect freedom of the media.”

State law enforcement officials have charged Goodman, a Democracy Now! presenter, with criminal trespassing for entering private property to interview protesters who allegedly broke through a fence and crossed on to private land. 

If convicted, Goodman faces up to 30 days in jail.

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 atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.