ODIHR Director welcomes investigation of racial motive in South Carolina shootings

WARSAW, 18 June 2015 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), expressed his shock and sorrow at the shooting in a historic black church in the city of Charleston, South Carolina last night that left nine people dead, and welcomed statements by police officials there that they were investigating a possible racial motivation behind the crime.

“I am shocked by this vicious attack on churchgoers practicing their faith and religion,” Director Link said. “The impact of this attack affects all, but that impact is particularly strong on the daily lives of the African American community in South Carolina and the United States in general. The investigation of these murders as hate crimes sends a strong message that crimes of this type will be addressed swiftly and resolutely.”

He also praised the swift action by the authorities to address this crime, noting existing issues and recent tensions regarding policing of African American communities in the United States.

“I applaud the robust and expeditious manner in which the South Carolina police have responded to this incident,” the ODIHR Director said.

Director Link also reminded governments across the OSCE region of their responsibility to take all appropriate measures to meet the security needs of those communities targeted by hate crime and discrimination.

“I call on governments to assess the security needs of targeted communities and take all necessary steps to prevent such horrible crimes from happening,” Director Link said. “Such attacks are a strong reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for effective responses to all bias, discrimination and violence targeting any group.”