PRESS RELEASE

OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo condemn physical attack on journalist in Mitrovica North

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 27 April 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, strongly condemned the physical attack on TV Puls journalist earlier today in Mitrovica North.

“A key element of a democratic society is the ability of journalists to report freely on developments of interest to the public. It is particularly concerning when journalists are physically attacked,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“I strongly condemn this physical attack against TV Puls Director Nenad Milenković. Violence against journalists is unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” said Désir. The Representative stressed that the motives behind this attack need to be investigated and that this is his third intervention on incidents of violence against journalists in Mitrovica North in the past several weeks. (Previous statements are available at: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/449065; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/450085)

Ambassador Braathu and Representative Désir expressed their hope for a swift and efficient police investigation that would lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible. At the same time, they called upon all actors with influence in the local community to condemn the incident and work to prevent the further intimidation of journalists.

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.

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