OSCE media freedom representative concerned about ban on journalist from entering Crimea

VIENNA, 18 August 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the deteriorating media freedom situation in Crimea following the decision of the de-facto Crimean authorities to ban journalist Ismet Yuksel from entering the peninsula. 

On 9 August Yuksel, the General Co-ordinator of QHA Information Agency and contributor to the Turkish TRT channel, was barred from entering Crimea for a period of five years. The de-facto authorities did not present any reason for the ban.

“I call on those responsible in Crimea to stop intimidating members of the media and refrain from stifling critical voices,” Mijatović said. “Such an arbitrary and restrictive measure cannot be tolerated as it affects the free flow of information and free media.”

Earlier this month Mijatović condemned the seizure of the property of the Chernomorskaya company, the largest independent broadcaster on the Crimean peninsula (See: www.osce.org/fom/122209). 

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.