OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns death threats against N1 journalists in Serbia, calls on authorities to urgently investigate

VIENNA, 5 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today condemned several threats against N1 TV and its journalists in Serbia.

According to reports, a deputy of the Serbian Progressive Party accused journalists from media outlet N1 TV on social media for recognizing the independence of Kosovo. This reaction triggered a wave of offensive and discriminatory statements on social media portraying N1 as “traitors” and “anti-Serbs”.

“Public figures must not create a hostile environment for journalists, since this could lead to serious pressure and threats against them,” said Désir.

In addition, N1 TV received a letter in which unknown perpetrators threatened the safety of their families and to blow up the outlet’s offices. These threats, which are reportedly connected to the media reporting on current affairs in Serbia, were shared with the police.

“Targeting and attacking journalists because of their work is an attack on freedom of expression which is a fundamental human right. I call on the Serbian authorities to do their utmost to identify and punish those responsible for these threats against N1 TV, and to ensure that journalists can perform their professional activities without being intimidated or threatened,” urged Désir.

The Representative underlined points 3 and 7 of the recent Decision on Safety of Journalists adopted last December at the OSCE Ministerial Council in Milan, which calls on participating States to: “condemn publicly and unequivocally all attacks and violence against journalists” and “urge political leaders, public officials and/or authorities to refrain from intimidating, threatening or condoning – and to unequivocally condemn – violence against journalists.”

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.