OSCE Representative saddened by death of Syrian journalist in Turkey claimed by ISIL/DAESH, urges increased safety for journalists in the country

VIENNA, 14 April 2016 – The tragic death of Syrian journalist Mohammed Zahir al-Sherqat on 12 April highlights the need to ensure safety of journalists in Turkey, Dunja Mijatović, OSCE media freedom representative said today.

”This is the fourth killing of Syrian journalists in southern Turkey claimed by the terrorist organization ISIL/DAESH in a short period of time. I call on the authorities to do their utmost to ensure safe working conditions for journalists in the country,” Mijatović said.

Syrian TV presenter Mohammed Zahir al-Sherqat was shot on 10 April in Gaziantep in southern Turkey, and died from his wounds on 12 April. The journalist had received death threats earlier for his work. The attack was claimed by the terrorist organization Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as DAESH (ISIL/DAESH) - the fourth killing of a Syrian journalist in Turkey by the group.

The ISIL/DAESH has previously claimed responsibility for murdering Syrian journalists Ibrahim Abd al-Qader and Fares Hamadi in Urfa, in southeastern Turkey, on 30 October  2015, and Naji Jerf in Gaziantep on 27 December 2015.

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.