OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting of journalist in Turkey, calls for thorough investigation
VIENNA, 31 August 2019 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, strongly condemned today the shooting of the journalist, Levent Uysal, in Balıkesir, Turkey.
“I am deeply concerned about reports that a journalist was shot and injured in Turkey,” said Désir. “I call on the Turkish authorities to ensure that this attack is fully investigated and that those responsible are held accountable with the full vigour of the law.”
During the night of 28 August, Levent Uysal, the former owner of the now-closed newspaper, Yenigün, was shot in the leg by two perpetrators outside his home in the city of Balıkesir in northwest Turkey. He was immediately hospitalised.
“I am worried about the multiplication of violent incidents against journalists. This is the sixth grave attack since May this year in Turkey. More needs to be done to ensure that this deeply concerning trend is urgently reversed and that journalists are ensured a safe environment to work in,” the Representative said. “I wish Uysal a speedy recovery so that he can continue working unhindered,” stated Désir.
He also recalled the OSCE Ministerial Decision on Safety of Journalists, which calls on all participating States to “take effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists, by ensuring accountability as a key element in preventing future attacks, including by ensuring that law enforcement agencies carry out swift, effective and impartial investigations into acts of violence and threats against journalists, in order to bring all those responsible to justice, and ensure that victims have access to appropriate remedies”.
The Representative’s previous statements on physical attacks on journalists in Turkey are available at: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/420878; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/419837
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She 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.