OSCE media freedom representative condemns beating of journalist in Kazakhstan, urges police to investigate

VIENNA, 21 August 2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today condemned an attack on Igor Larra, a correspondent for the newspaper Svoboda slova, and called on law enforcement authorities to swiftly investigate the case.

“I am worried that another attack against a member of the media has occurred. The continuing violence against journalists is a direct assault on freedom of expression and it has to stop,” Mijatović said.

According to media reports, Larra suffered injuries to his head and body during an attack on Tuesday night in Aktobe in western Kazakhstan. He said a police investigation has not been started.

Larra was a victim of a similar attack in March 2010.