OSCE media freedom representative urges for transparent and swift investigation into attack against head of Star Media Group in Turkey

VIENNA, 21 August 2015 – The attack against Murat Sancak, head of the Star Media Group, is unacceptable and must be promptly investigated, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

“The investigation of this attack must be carried out in a transparent and swift manner, in order to bring the perpetrators and the masterminds to justice,” Mijatović said.

On 20 August, assailants opened fire against a car Sancak was traveling in. The attack, which took place in Istanbul, fortunately left Sancak and his passengers unharmed. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Culture and Tourism Minister Ömer Çelik expressed his sympathy with Sancak, while several civil society actors, including prominent journalists and the Turkish Journalists’ Association, have condemned the attack.

“Public condemnation by the authorities of acts of violence against journalists is of utmost importance, it sends clear message to the society that violence against members of the media is not tolerated,” Mijatović said.

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.