OSCE media freedom representative Désir condemns blacklisting of journalists in Hungary

VIENNA, 13 April 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today strongly condemned the publication of a list of more than 200 people by a Hungarian media outlet which claimed that over 2,000 people, including those listed by name, are allegedly working to “topple the government”.

The list was published by the Hungarian magazine Figyelő on 11 April, and includes many journalists as well as other citizens. The magazine claimed that the people on the list were “mercenaries” paid by US-Hungarian investor and philanthropist George Soros.

“Such blacklisting and vilification of journalists and others is unacceptable, dangerous and ignominious. Not only does it stigmatize those on the list, it also puts their safety at risk. Journalists should not be harassed or intimidated for their work,” the Representative said.

“I call for the full respect of the diversity of viewpoints and of pluralism in society by all actors,” the Representative concluded.

NOTE: A previous version of this press release incorrectly stated that the media outlet had published a list of 2,000 names. This was corrected on 14 April 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.