OSCE media freedom representative calls for enhanced protection of journalists covering public protests

VIENNA, 2 March 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, called today upon participating States of the Organization to take pro-active measures to protect journalists covering public protests.

Mijatović reacted after two journalists covering yesterday’s street protests in Azerbaijan’s northeastern city of Quba were injured and reportedly others were sprayed with tear gas used to disperse the demonstrators.

“This incident shows once again that journalists must be better protected to perform their professional duties without fear,” Mijatović said. “While maintaining public order the police must also ensure that journalists are not attacked and can safely report on all public events.”

“Safety of journalists throughout the OSCE region has been and will remain one of my priorities,” she stressed and added that her Office is ready to support and assist OSCE participating States in fully implementing their media-freedom commitments in this area.