Attacks against Turkish-language newspaper in Cologne, Paris threaten free reporting, says OSCE media freedom representative

PARIS, 17 February 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today condemned attacks on the Paris and Cologne offices of the Turkish-language daily newspaper Zaman and called for a thorough investigation.

“The attacks on Zaman’s editorial offices not only create fear in those directly affected but they also damage media freedom by attempting to silence journalists for their reporting,” Mijatović said.

On 15 February a masked group of alleged supporters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) entered the Paris offices of Zaman, breaking windows and equipment and threatening employees. On the same day in Cologne, alleged PKK supporters firebombed the newspaper’s offices.

“Attacks and intimidation against a media outlet and its journalists are unacceptable. I am relieved that no one was injured and that the French and German authorities have launched investigations,” Mijatović said.  “I hope that the perpetrators will be soon brought to justice.”