News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes amendment to Polish ‘Holocaust law’ about which he previously raised serious concerns
Publishing date: 28 June 2018
VIENNA, 28 June 2018- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir welcomed yesterday’s initiative by the Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, to amend the ‘Holocaust law’ and the swift decision by the lower house of Poland’s parliament to remove criminal penalties for ascribing any responsibility to the Polish nation for the Holocaust, including suggestions regarding its complicity...
OSCE Representative condemns arson attack on offices of De Telegraaf newspaper in Netherlands, urges complete and thorough investigation
Publishing date: 26 June 2018
VIENNA, 26 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed alarm after a van was driven into the offices of the De Telegraaf newspaper in the Netherlands, and the vehicle then set on fire...
OSCE representative condemns physical attack and death threat against journalist in Croatia, welcomes prompt reaction by authorities
Publishing date: 25 June 2018
VIENNA, 25 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today condemned the physical attack and death threat against a journalist Hrvoje Bajlo last night in Zadar.
Concluding visit to USA, OSCE Representative stresses need for US leading role in promoting free media as journalists are increasingly under threat
Publishing date: 22 June 2018
WASHINGTON DC, 22 June 2018- OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir concluded a three-day visit to the United States of America today, during which he met with representatives of the Department of State, the Department of Justice, members of the US Congress and its Helsinki Commission and press freedom organizations to discuss the freedom of expression and the media in the United States and the OSCE region.
OSCE Representative presents legal review of Moldova’s Audio-visual Code, calls for further legal certainty and commitment to international standards
Publishing date: 20 June 2018
VIENNA, 20 June 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called on Moldova to ensure legal certainty and to uphold its commitments on media freedom, following a legal review his Office shared with the Chairperson of Moldova’s parliament on the country’s draft Code of Audio-visual Media Services...
Legislative amendments further restrict media in Belarus, says OSCE media freedom representative
Publishing date: 18 June 2018
VIENNA, 18 June 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed concern following the adoption of legislative amendments in Belarus which further restrict media activities in the country. The amendments affect the work of national mass media, internet resources, and foreign media outlets.