OSCE Representative condemns attack on journalists covering demonstrations in Prishtinë/Priština

VIENNA, 26 January 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned a recent attack on three journalists covering demonstrations in Prishtinë/Priština.

On 24 January reporter Aleksandra Jovanovic and cameraman Bojan Košanin, both from Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), and reporter Vladimir Milic from Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), were attacked and harassed by unknown assailants while covering protests in Prishtinë/Priština. According to media reports, the perpetrators attacked the journalists with sticks and stones and also tried to steal their equipment.

“Any violence against journalists is unacceptable and should be treated as an attack against the society as a whole,” Mijatović said. “This incident must be swiftly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

The Journalists' Association of Serbia (UNS), the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo and Metohija (DNKiM) have condemned the attack.

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.