OSCE Mission to Serbia welcomes government determination to prosecute death threats against investigative journalist

BELGRADE, 23 April 2010 - The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Dimitrios Kypreos, made the following statement today in connection to the Belgrade First Basic Court's decision on 22 April to dismiss charges against six people accused of making death threats against B92 television journalist Brankica Stankovic:

"The OSCE Mission fully respects the decisions of the Serbian judiciary and supports its independence. At the same time, the Mission considers it necessary to underscore that courageous investigative journalism like that practiced by Brankica Stankovic is an indespensable element in any well-functioning democracy.

"This kind of unintimidated reportage sets standards for a journalism that contributes to the development of a democratic society, not only in Serbia but in every country.

"In this respect, the OSCE Mission to Serbia welcomes the determination of the Serbian authorities to find a basis for the continuation of the judicial process and a thorough examination of the case."