OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo condemn violent attack against journalists in Mitrovica North

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 23 March 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned the physical attack that was reported earlier today in Mitrovica North against a journalist crew from Gazeta Blic that was covering the COVID-19 situation in this municipality.

“As we stated today, it is important that people remain calm in these difficult times and that journalists are allowed to work without fear of violence, including in inter-ethnic contexts,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo. 

“I strongly denounce the attack against journalists Nebih Maxhuni and Diamant Bajra, as well as cameraman Arsim Rexhepi, while reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mitrovica North today. Freedom of the media needs to be guaranteed and protected at any time. In the current circumstances, the media must be able to report and publish freely, without intimidation or violence, on issues related to the current health situation,” Désir said. The Representative added that the perpetrators of this attack need to face justice.

The OSCE Mission and Representative on Freedom of Media called for a swift investigation of this incident and on all societal actors to do their utmost to allow the unimpeded work of journalists under current difficult circumstances.

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.