OSCE media freedom representative calls for re-launch investigation 13 years after killing of Martin O’Hagan

VIENNA, 26 September 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today urged authorities of the United Kingdom  to re-launch a criminal investigation into the murder, 13 years ago of investigative journalist Martin O’Hagan.

O’Hagan, a reporter for the Sunday World, was shot in September 2001 while walking with his wife near his home in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. No one has been charged for the murder, though the Sunday World newspaper claims Ulster paramilitary forces were behind his death.

“It is unacceptable that all this time has passed and not one person has been held responsible for what was a public execution,” Mijatović said. “The failure to prosecute can create an environment of impunity for those who might attack journalists.”

Mijatović joins a list of those calling for a new investigation, which includes the Sunday World, the National Union of Journalists and Mike Nesbitt, a journalist who is now leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.