OSCE media freedom watchdog presents report on journalists' rights during political demonstrations
VIENNA, 21 June 2007 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, issued a special report today on the problems faced by journalists when covering political demonstrations.
The paper, Handling of the media during political demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations, was presented during Haraszti's regular report to the OSCE Permanent Council, the Organization's regular decision-making body.
"Law-enforcement officials have a constitutional responsibility not to prevent or obstruct the work of journalists during public demonstrations," said Miklos Haraszti.
"And journalists have a right to expect fair and restrained treatment by the police."
The report and its recommendations were developed following an increase in the severity of the treatment of journalists by law-enforcers in some of the 56 OSCE participating States in recent months.
The Report is available in English and Russian on the OSCE website at:
Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations (English)
Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations (Russian)