OSCE media freedom representative urges broader media access in high-profile German trial

VIENNA, 10 April 2013 – Access for Turkish and other interested media at the upcoming trial in Germany of the alleged terrorist group National Socialist Underground would be in the public interest, said OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today.

Media access to the trial of crimes in which a number of victims were of Turkish origin has been allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis which has resulted in no Turkish-language media being accredited.

“The immense public attention surrounding the case shows that indispensable elements of democracies, such as the much-cherished independence of the judiciary and free access of journalists to information, can clash and even weaken each other,” said the Representative. “It is very important that we learn from these cases and develop policies that enforce, instead of weaken, these basic rights.” 

“I am glad to see the exceptionally detailed and lively public debate that is currently taking place in Germany. I especially welcome the sympathy shown in both German and Turkish media towards the need to guarantee access to the trial to a broad range of interested media,” she added.