OSCE Representative reiterates call to release Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko, following his conviction in Russia

VIENNA, 4 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today deplored the sentencing of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko to 12 years in prison in the Russian Federation, and reiterated his call to release the journalist.

“Journalism is not a crime and media workers should carry out their work under safe conditions, without fear of being harassed, attacked or imprisoned,” Désir said. “I hope the decision to convict Sushchenko will be overturned in appeal and I reiterate my call on the Russian authorities to release the journalist from prison.”

The Moscow City Court today sentenced Sushchenko, a correspondent of the Ukrainian National News Agency, Ukrinform, to 12 years in prison in a high security prison on espionage charges. He has been under arrest in Moscow since 30 September 2016.

The Representative raised the case on several occasions in the past, including during his official visits to Kyiv and Moscow in 2017 (see: https://www.osce.org/fom/351561 and https://www.osce.org/fom/358456).

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.