OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media representative strongly condemns murder of investigative reporter Kuciak in Slovakia
OTTAWA, 26 February 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed his shock and condemnation following the murder of investigative reporter Ján Kuciak and his fiancé in their home in Slovakia, and urged the authorities to pursue a full, transparent and swift investigation.
"This is a murder without precedent of a journalist in the Slovak Republic. It has startled the Slovak citizens and the media community. It is also a shock for me and my Office as Kuciak was our partner in a number of events," said Désir.
“I call on the authorities to make all efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators and masterminds involved in this atrocious double murder”, added Désir. “I am encouraged to see that the Slovak President and Prime Minister have reacted quickly.”
Ján Kuciak, a journalist known for his investigation into cases of suspected VAT fraud, previously filed two complaints with the prosecutor’s office after receiving several threats. The publishing houses Axel Springer and Ringier – joint owners of the outlet Aktuality.sk, where Kuciak was an editor – have issued a public statement expressing dismay at the killings.
“It is a very worrying development to witness another murder of a journalist working on corruption after the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta last year,” said Désir. “We cannot accept a new reality in which journalists become regular targets for attack because of their investigative work.”
“My heart goes out to the families and colleagues of Ján Kuciak and his partner. I send them my deepest condolences," concluded Désir.
Kuciak was a member of the New Media Network and worked with the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on the conferences Gaining a Digital Edge in 2015 and 2016.
The Representative is currently in the Canadian capital Ottawa, meeting with representatives of the government and civil society. During the official visit he will also attend the Global Internet and Jurisdiction Conference 2018.
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.