OSCE media freedom representative strongly condemns shooting at French newspaper Libération

STOCKHOLM, 18 November 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned a gun attack at the Paris headquarters of the daily newspaper Libération, in which an assistant photographer was injured.

“An attack like this represents a direct threat to safety of journalists and media freedom," Mijatović said. “I welcome the immediate launch of an investigation into this matter and the fact that the incident was strongly condemned by authorities."

The shooting took place this morning when a gunman opened fire in the newspaper’s offices and fled. One assistant photographer was severely injured.

On 15 November the gunman allegedly threatened journalists at BMF TV, another French media outlet.

“I hope that the swift investigation will result in those responsible being brought to justice. Threats to the media should never be tolerated and authorities should spare no effort in addressing these cases,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović is currently in Stockholm speaking at the seminar ‘Press freedom and transparency, a method of peace support’.