The situation around freedom of speech in Ukraine has reached a very dangerous stage, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) media freedom representative Dunja Mijatovic said following her visit to Ukraine.
“Media freedom is a reflection of the overall security situation.
From my perspective the situation is alarming, with risk of further
deterioration unless it is immediately improved. Violence against
journalists must stop now and the rule of law needs to be restored
throughout the country,” the OSCE press office quoted Mijatovic as
saying.
According to the information of the press office, on April 14-16
Mijatovic visited Kharkiv, Kyiv and Odesa in order to meet with
reporters from these regions as well as from Donetsk, Mykolayiv and
Crimea. “Journalists are under attack, both physically and as part of
the ongoing psychological warfare. Journalists in conflict areas face
violence, seizure and destruction of equipment, and threats on a daily
basis,” she said.
In the past day reporters were attacked in the Donetsk and Kharkiv
regions, Mijatovic said. “I have heard alarming first-hand accounts of
the attacks against journalists. The authorities must do their utmost to
protect all journalists. Freedom of media and information are essential
in times of crisis as a way to de-escalate the conflict,” she said.
It is important that crimes against reporters do not go unpunished,
while journalists should have solidarity, report the truth and be safe,
Mijatovic said.
