Intimidation, blockade and disrupting work of NewsOne journalists in Ukraine unacceptable, says OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

VIENNA, 4 December 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir expressed concern today regarding the deliberate blocking of the entrance to the editorial office of the NewsOne television channel in Kyiv.

“Obstructing access to the news channel’s office is direct interference in its work and physical intimidation of media workers. It is an unacceptable situation and an attack on the freedom of the media which cannot be justified,” Désir said. “I call on the authorities to do their utmost to ensure that press freedom will be respected, to provide a safe working environment for the staff of NewsOne and to ensure the unhindered and free work of the broadcaster.”

According to reports, on 3 December a group of unknown people in camouflage and balaclavas blocked the entrance of the broadcaster’s office with sandbags and barbed wire whilst expressing disagreement with NewsOne’s editorial policy. The channel reported that as a result of the obstructions at the entrance, its crews are locked in the parking lot, staff members can neither enter nor leave the editorial office, and some guest visits to broadcasting programmes had to be cancelled. 

The Representative noted the concern of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine regarding the matter. The Representative also noted President Poroshenko’s statement earlier today saying that any pressure on the media, and even more so their blocking, is unacceptable.

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 at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.