OSCE media freedom watchdog condemns killing of Turkish journalist

VIENNA, 22 December 2009 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, condemned today the fatal shooting of a journalist in western Turkey and called on the authorities to provide safe working conditions for the media.

Cihan Hayirsevener, the editor of Guney Marmara'da Yasam, a local newspaper in Bandirma, was shot by an unknown assailant on Friday afternoon while on the way to the office. He died from his wounds in hospital that evening.

Hayirsevener had previously received death threats related to his writings about a local corruption case.

"I am deeply disturbed by this cowardly attack against a journalist who was doing his job by trying to expose wrongdoing," Haraszti said.

"Turkey has to send a strong signal so that journalists can exercise their duty without fear for their lives and well-being. I urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators, including those who may be behind the crime, to justice as soon as possible."

Haraszti expressed his condolences to Hayirsevener's wife and two children.