OSCE Media Freedom Representative pays tribute to Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak on second anniversary of his murder, as public hearings near conclusion

VIENNA, 20 February 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, paid tribute today to investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, on the second anniversary of their murders.

Four people who organized and carried out the murders are currently standing trial alongside the alleged mastermind. The trial is expected to conclude in the coming months. “On the second anniversary of Kuciak’s death, my heart goes out to his family and colleagues, and to those of his partner. Ján Kuciak, who paid a heavy price for unveiling corruption cases, has become the symbol of a free press and a generation which fights for more transparency and democracy,” said Désir. “I admire the commitment of his colleagues and family to bring those responsible for the murders to justice, and I recall our comprehensive discussions on the case, and the media situation in general, during my visit to Bratislava in December last year. I am following the public hearings of the trial with considerable interest.”

“Slovak society seems keen on ensuring that there is no impunity for killing journalists and I hope that justice will finally be served in this case. This horrendous crime cannot remain unpunished,” he added. Kuciak was a journalist known for his investigative reporting into cases of suspected fraud in Slovakia, as well as for his work with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and its outlet, Aktuality.sk. He was also a partner of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and was involved in a number of OSCE events. Before his murder, Kuciak filed two complaints with the Prosecutor’s office after receiving several threats. He was the first journalist murdered in relation to his work in Slovakia.

The Representative has noted that important progress in the investigation of this heinous crime was achieved over the past year.

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.