OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir calls upon the Czech authorities to protect journalists’ rights to confidential sources

VIENNA, 13 April 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today called upon the Czech authorities to respect journalists’ rights to protect confidential sources, following complaints by investigative journalists Jaroslav Kmenta (of The Reporter), Janek Kroupa (of Czech Radio) and Sabina Slonkova (of Neovlivni.cz) regarding pressure by police investigators to disclose their sources. The journalists allege that in recent months, they have been repeatedly questioned by the police and the General Inspection of Security Corps (GIBS) over their reporting related to corruption cases.

“Confidentiality of sources is a prerequisite for investigative journalism. Infringing confidentiality can, over time, lead to the silencing of voices, thus undermining the media’s ability to comprehensively report on issues of public interest,” Désir said.

The Czech Syndicate of Journalists has issued a statement supporting the reporters. Confidentiality of sources is protected by the Czech constitution.

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.