OSCE representative calls on Russian authorities to fight impunity and ensure journalists’ safety following attack on journalist in Dagestan

VIENNA, 21 August 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on the authorities in the Russian Federation to ensure journalists’ safety following yesterday’s attack on journalist Magomed Khanmagomedov in Dagestan.

“I trust that the investigation launched by the police on the attack on Khanmagomedov will be carried out in an effective and transparent manner and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Mijatović said.

Khanmagomedov, the chief editor of Derbentskie Izvestiya newspaper, was attacked on 20 August in his office by two individuals. The assault followed two previous attacks on Khanmagomedov in 2012 and 2010.

“Journalists’ safety must be high on the agenda in the Russian Federation,” Mijatović wrote in a letter to the Russian authorities. “The authorities must do their utmost to safeguard members of the media and to end impunity”, she said.

Mijatović also noted with deep concern the abduction and death of Timur Kuashev, journalist and blogger, who was found dead in Kabardino-Balkaria, North Caucasus, earlier this month (see www.osce.org/fom/122219).

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 at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.