OSCE media freedom representative condemns murder of journalist in Serbia, calls on authorities for swift and thorough investigation

VIENNA, 17 June 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the murder of radio journalist Luka Popov in Srpski Krstur, Serbia.

“The investigation of this murder must be carried out in a swift and thorough manner,” Mijatović said. “The authorities must do their utmost to bring the perpetrators of this horrific murder to justice.”

Popov, a radio journalist in Čoka and Novi Kneževac, was killed on 16 June in his home in Srpski Krstur. He was reportedly subject to torture prior to his death. The case has been reported to the police.

“The authorities must investigate each and every attack on members of the media, otherwise a culture of impunity will prevail,” 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.