OSCE Representative condemns attack on journalist in Russia, calls for speedy and effective investigation
VIENNA, 22 December 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today condemned the violent attack on Vyacheslav Prudnikov, a journalist forthe news website “Kavkazskiy Uzel”, in the town Krasniy Sulin in the Rostov region.
“I condemn this attack and urge the authorities to speedily and effectively investigate the case, which could have resulted in the murder of the journalist,” Désir wrote in a letter to the authorities. “I also ask the authorities to grant Prudnikov any necessary protection and adequate remedy.”
Yesterday, on 21 December, Prudnikov was shot multiple times with a traumatic pistol by an unknown person. The journalist was hospitalized with two wounds. Reportedly, during the attack, the shooter linked the aggression to the journalist’s reporting criticizing government representatives.
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.