OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates call for release of Stanislav Aseev following journalists’ first public appearance since being detained

VIENNA, 23 August – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called for the immediate release of Ukrainian journalist, writer and blogger Stanislav Aseev (Vasin), who appeared on a Russia-24 tv report on 17 August for the first time since the beginning of his detention.

“I am relieved that Stanislav Aseev is alive,” Désir said. “He must be released immediately and any attempt to force or manipulate a ‘confession’ must be stopped as a violation of international law,” the Representative stated.

Stanislav Aseev has been a contributor to various media, including the Ukrainian Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Aseev has been in detention by the armed formations in the non-government-controlled area of the Donetsk region on spurious charges of espionage for Ukraine since June 2017.

Désir recalled a number of statements issued by Ukrainian journalists and media organizations representatives as well as joint statements of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the Union of Journalists of the Russian Federation https://www.osce.org/fom/324546 https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/373447  calling for an end to Aseev’s detention.

The Representative has repeatedly intervened on this case (see https://www.osce.org/fom/333066 and June 2018 https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/383217, including during his visits to Russia and Ukraine.

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.