OSCE Media Representative lauds another key step in investigation of murder of journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, all involved must be prosecuted

VIENNA, 4 October 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today welcomed the arrests of four suspects in Kolarovo and Komarno on 27 and 28 September, and the statement by Slovakia’s General Prosecutor that they are getting closer to fully resolving the double murder of the investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnirova.

“I commend the progress in the investigation and praise the work of the police and prosecutor after the arrest of four suspects in the appalling murder of Jan Kuciak and Martina Kusnirova,” said Désir. “This is another important step and the investigation must persevere until all those involved, especially those who ordered this murder, face justice.”

Following police raids and subsequent arrests of four people, the General Prosecutor of the Slovak Republic Jaromír Čižnár made a statement on 1 October stating that they have ‘very strong’ proof concerning suspects in the murder of Jan Kuciak.

Kuciak was an investigative reporter who contributed to the news portal aktuality.sk.

The OSCE Representative met with Slovakia’s Prime Minister and Minister of Interior just after the murders to urge the authorities to pursue a full, transparent and swift investigation. The OSCE RFOM has monitored the case and made several public statements: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/373699; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/374116; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/397850.

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.