OSCE Representative condemns severe cyberattack on France’s TV5Monde
VIENNA, 9 April 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today strongly condemned a serious cyberattack on the French television network TV5Monde which blocked their television broadcasts, websites and social networks for several hours.
“Blocking access to media content by shutting down television channels and hacking websites is a clear violation of the right to free expression and free media,” Mijatović said.
Mijatović said it was important that the authorities, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius, Fleur Pellerin, Minister of Culture and Communication and Minister of Interior Bertrand Cazeneuve, immediately visited the headquarters of the media group to show their concern and support and publicly noted the seriousness of the attack.
“I trust the authorities will do their utmost to identify the origin of these attacks.” “Online and traditional media are now essential tools for the free flow and access to information and this new form of censorship needs to be seriously addressed internationally.”
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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