Death of journalist Jacky Sutton a great loss for journalism, OSCE Representative says urging swift investigation

VIENNA, 20 October 2015 – The circumstances of the death of journalist Jacky Sutton must be swiftly investigated, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media said today.

“My sincere condolences go out to Jacky Sutton’s family, friends and colleagues,” Mijatović said. “She was a true advocate for media freedom and her death is a great loss for journalism.”

On 17 October, Sutton, Iraq director for the Institute of War and Peace Reporting and former BBC journalist, was found dead at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport. The circumstances of Sutton’s death remain unclear.

“Sutton dedicated decades of her life to journalism and made significant contributions to advancing free media around the world,” Mijatović said. “I trust that the investigation initiated by the Turkish authorities will bring swift and clear answers to the questions surrounding her death.”

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.