Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, OSCE Kosovo Mission Head says journalists must be protected

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 30 April 2013 – Ambassador Jean Claude Schlumberger, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, made the following statement today ahead of the World Press Freedom Day marked on 3 May.

“I urge Kosovo institutions to guarantee freedom of expression, and encourage media institutions and civil society to strengthen their role in defending freedom of the press.

“There are still cases of journalists being pressured and intimidated; this undermines freedom of expression and free media in Kosovo.

“I strongly condemn recent attacks and threats against journalists of Klan Kosova Television, public broadcaster RTK, daily Zëri, and against Radio Kolašin property. Institutions should promote and preserve an environment in which media are able to work freely and safely without undue influence and interference.

“I am encouraged with the adoption by the Assembly committee on media, in principle, of the draft law on protection of journalist sources. Once adopted, the law would make a solid contribution to further development of investigative journalism.”

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It is helping safeguard freedom of media and freedom of expression and supports media development.