Safety of journalists must be ensured in conflict situations, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA, 27 February 2022 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, today expressed her serious concern about the safety of journalists in the context of the Russian military action against Ukraine. She also stressed the need to consider and protect as civilians media professionals in areas of armed conflict.

According to reports, on 26 February the Danish journalist Stefan Weichert and photographer Emil Filtenborg Mikkelsen from Ekstra Bladet were shot and injured while on duty near Okhtyrka, a town in Sumy Oblast of Ukraine. Reportedly, both have been hospitalized.

“Violence against journalists under any circumstances, including in conflict situations, is unacceptable,” Ribeiro said. “I wish a speedy recovery to both journalists.”

Ribeiro also noted with sadness information about the killing of citizen journalist Dilerbek Shakirov, who was shot dead on 26 February in the suburbs of Kherson, as reported by Irina Venediktova, Prosecutor General of Ukraine. The Representative extended her sincere condolences to Mr. Shakirov’s family.

The Representative also underlined the importance of taking appropriate steps to ensure accountability for all crimes committed against journalists.