OSCE Representative condemns arson attacks on journalists’ property in Ukraine

VIENNA, 14 February 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned recent arson attacks on a journalist’s car and television channels M1 and M2 in Ukraine.

On 12 February a car belonging to Sergei Guz, chief editor of the news website 5692.com.ua and the newspaper Gorod 5692, was set on fire in the courtyard of his house in Kamianske in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The journalist links the attack to his professional activity and critical reporting on local authorities by his media outlets.

On 27 January and 10 February there were repeated attempts to set fire to TV studios used by music channels M1 and M2 in Kyiv.

“These attacks clearly have the intent to harass members of the media and must not be tolerated,” Mijatović said. “I welcome the fact that the police have launched an investigation into the arson attack on Sergei Guz’ car and I hope this crime will be swiftly and thoroughly investigated.”

Mijatović said that a similar arson attack took place on 15 August 2016 in Dnipro on a car of journalist Kseniya Zaitseva.

Mijatovic noted the condemnation of the latest attack by the Independent Trade Union of Ukraine.

“I reiterate my call on the authorities to intensify investigations into all crimes committed against journalists, especially those since the start of the crisis in and around the country,” Mijatovic said. “Only their specific actions will stop intimidation of journalists and break the cycle of impunity.”

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.