OSCE representative condemns threats against Irish journalists, welcomes authorities swift response to ensure journalists’ safety

VIENNA, 12 February 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned recent threats issued against journalists reporting on organized crime activities in Ireland and praised law enforcement authorities for taking action to protect them.

“Protecting journalists so they can do their jobs is essential for a free and vibrant media,” Mijatović said. “I am pleased to hear the police are taking these threats seriously.”

The names of the reporters were not disclosed by police. The threats follow gangland-style murders in Dublin last week.

Irish reporters are not immune from violence. Veronica Guerin, a Dublin crime reporter, was murdered by a drug gang in 1996. Investigative reporter Martin O'Hagan was gunned down in September 2001 in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. No one has been prosecuted for his death.

“I stand with all reporters who courageously report on sensitive issues in the public interest,” Mijatović said. “They should not be deterred from doing their work.”

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.