OSCE Representative concerned over denial of accreditation to journalists at upcoming inauguration of Hungary’s new parliament

VIENNA, 7 May 2018 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed concern over the denial of accreditation to journalists, which prevents them from reporting from the inaugural meeting of Hungary’s new parliament on 8 May.

“The parliament is the main institution of democracy. Denial of accreditation to journalists for its inaugural session is a major concern. This sets a bad precedent at the beginning of a new term of Hungary’s parliament,” Désir said.

On 4 May, Tamas Fabian from the news website index.hu, Tamas Botos from the investigative website 444.hu and Balazs Kaufmann from news website hvg.hu all received a notification from the press office of the Hungarian parliament, informing them that their accreditation request to report from the inaugural meeting of Hungary’s new parliament on 8 May was denied.

“Accreditation for an event should not be used as a tool to curb the content of critical reporting,” Désir said, noting that the three media outlets are regarded as critical towards the work of the government.

The Representative also recalled the report issued by his Office in 2006, Accreditation of Journalists in the OSCE area, which provides recommendations and is available at https://www.osce.org/fom/22065.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.