News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns killing of journalist in United Kingdom, calls for thorough investigation
Publishing date: 19 April 2019
VIENNA, 19 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today strongly condemned the killing of journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland, in the United Kingdom...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns intimidation of journalists in North Macedonia, calls for urgent investigation
Publishing date: 18 April 2019
VIENNA, 18 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned the intimidation and threats against TV21 journalists in the municipality of Aracinovo, in North Macedonia...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by blocking of media outlets in Uzbekistan, urges reform to media laws and regulations
Publishing date: 17 April 2019
VIENNA, 17 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called on the authorities in Uzbekistan to end the blocking of media outlets, in order to ensure that important news and current affairs resources be made accessible to the public...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of citizen journalists in Crimea, calls for their immediate release
Publishing date: 17 April 2019
VIENNA, 17 April 2019 – Following reports about the recent arrest of several citizen journalists in Crimea, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today condemned the continued deterioration of freedom of expression and the safety of journalists on the peninsula...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about amendments introducing liability for distribution of foreign print media without authorization in Russia
Publishing date: 16 April 2019
VIENNA, 16 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his concern regarding the legislative amendments introducing a liability for distribution of foreign print media on the territory of the Russian Federation without the permission of the authorities...
OSCE Representative denounces search of Belsat TV channel editorial office in Belarus, calls for respect for confidentiality of journalists’ sources
Publishing date: 10 April 2019
VIENNA, 10 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, denounced the search conducted on 9 April in the editorial office of the Belsat TV channel in Minsk, Belarus. He called on the authorities to exercise restraint in bringing libel charges against media and journalists, and reiterated his call on the authorities to decriminalize defamation.
OSCE Representative Désir and Ambassador Berton concerned about amendments to Law on Public Order and Peace in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Publishing date: 5 April 2019
VIENNA / SARAJEVO, 5 April 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Bruce G. Berton, expressed their concerns today regarding new amendments to the Law on Public Order and Peace in the Bosnia and Herzegovina entity of Republika Srpska (RS)...