OSCE media freedom representative shocked by death of journalist in Russia, calls for full, transparent and independent investigation

VIENNA, 16 April 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, said today he was shocked by the death of journalist Maksim Borodin in the Russian Federation.

Borodin died yesterday from injuries sustained on 12 April in a fall from the window of his fifth-floor apartment. Reportedly, his colleagues have expressed doubt that the journalist committed suicide.

“The sudden death of investigative journalist Maksim Borodin is a shock. He was a journalist with the Noviy Den news agency, reporting on various issues, including crime, politics, elections, and most recently mercenaries in the Syrian war. I call on the authorities to carry out a full, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of the death of Maksim Borodin,” Désir said. “I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and colleagues.”

In a separate incident, Dmitry Polyanin, the editor of Oblastnaya Gazeta newspaper and a well-known journalist, was brutally beaten by at least two assailants with metal bars on 12 April near his home in Yekaterinburg. He sustained multiple injuries, including concussion and a broken rib, and has been hospitalized. His newspaper covers a wide range of issues of public interest.

“I call on the authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate this criminal act and bring the perpetrators and masterminds to justice,” Désir said.

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.