OSCE Mission criticizes media that published photos of nude 12-year-old girl

BELGRADE, 19 May 2008 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, criticized today those Belgrade media which recently published and broadcast photos of a nude 12-year-old girl, and called for basic journalistic professional rules and standards to be respected.

The published photos were made by youngsters using a mobile phone.

"At the OSCE Mission to Serbia we are concerned by the manner in which some media report on certain topics," Urstad said. "Publishing news articles or broadcasting news without respect for victims and their families is unacceptable."

Urstad said that in addition to violating the right of privacy expressed in the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the publishing of the photos also violated the Ethical Code of Conduct, adopted by both journalist associations in Serbia.

"Press freedom is a crucial right, but it is a right that comes with responsibility," Urstad said. "I call on all Serbian media to adhere to their Ethical Code, which explicitly forbids using pornographic or similar material that could have a negative impact on children."