OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media calls on Kyrgyz authorities to protect journalists

VIENNA, 17 October 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today condemned an assault on Sunday on three journalists in Osh, Kyrgyzstan on the premises of a polling station.

“I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate the case and bring perpetrators to justice,” Désir said. “The authorities ensure free access of journalists to information, especially on such important political occasions as the election. Any cases of intimidation, obstruction or physical violence against journalists are inadmissible.”

On 15 October a camera operator of the NTS TV station in Osh, Mirbek Aitikeev, was physically assaulted by unidentified persons, who took away his mobile phone. Two journalists from AKI Press also had their equipment confiscated, but managed to recover it.

Additionally, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Sanjar Eraliev and a colleague, Ydyrys Isakov, were verbally abused and threatened upon arrival at another precinct.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.