OSCE Media Freedom Representative takes note of release of Ukrainian journalist Mykola Semena from house arrest, but condemns his conviction

VIENNA, 22 September 2017 –The release from house arrest of Mykola Semena, a journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has been noted by OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir, who however condemned the conviction and imposition of a ban on “public activities”.

“I am glad that Semena has been released from house arrest, but the fact that he was convicted and banned from engaging in any public activity will have a chilling effect on journalists and free speech”, said Désir. “All charges against Semena should be dropped as they violate OSCE principles on freedom of expression and freedom of the media. Semena should also be able to travel freely”, he said.

According to reports, Semena was sentenced to a 2.5-year suspended sentence for “public calls for actions violating the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation”, with a ban on “public activities” for a period of three years on 22 September in Simferopol, Ukraine. 

The Representative has previously addressed Semena’s case on several occasions (see //www.osce.org/fom/234691, //www.osce.org/fom/295336 and //www.osce.org/fom/253091).

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.