OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern over seizure of journalist’s records in leak investigation in the Netherlands

VIENNA, 8 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his concern about the seizure of a Dutch journalist’s records as part of an ongoing investigation into the leaking of classified information.

According to reports, police has seized the phone records of journalist Jos van de Ven, of the regional daily newspaper Brabants Dagblad, as part of an investigation on leaks about the appointment procedure of the new mayor of the city of Den Bosch in 2017.

“The seizure of phone records of a journalist violates the right of journalists to protect their sources. This may have a chilling effect on the work of other journalists, as it may deter individuals from speaking with them,” said Désir. “It also poses the question of whether this decision respected national and international standards on the protection of journalistic sources.”

The Representative noted that the seizure occurred shortly before the introduction of a new law strengthening source protection in the Netherlands.

“The incident demonstrates the importance of the proposed legislation on the protection of journalistic sources, and I express the hope that the draft law will be adopted and will come into force rapidly,” the Representative 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.