News and press releases
News and press releases from the OSCE's global activities.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates his call on Ukrainian authorities to respect journalists’ right of confidentiality of sources
Publishing date: 20 February 2019
VIENNA, 20 February 2019 – Following the court decision in Kyiv ordering the disclosure of documents of the news portal Novoe Vremya, including the correspondence of one of its journalists, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today reiterated his call on the Ukrainian authorities to respect the right of journalists to protect the confidentiality of their sources.
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls on Azerbaijan to revise state aid system for press and allow for environment favourable to media pluralism
Publishing date: 20 February 2019
VIENNA, 20 February 2019 – Following the recent introduction in Azerbaijan of tighter requirements for print media eligible for state funding, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called on the authorities to focus efforts on developing a favourable media environment...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative commends arrests in investigation of attack on Olivera Lakić in Montenegro, calls for justice to be served
Publishing date: 19 February 2019
VIENNA, 19 February 2019- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir today commended the arrest of nine persons in Montenegro who the police say are part of a criminal gang that is responsible for a series of crimes including the attack on journalist Olivera Lakić on 8 May last year...
Cumhuriyet trial convictions a terrible setback for Turkey, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative, calls for end to criminalization of journalism
Publishing date: 19 February 2019
VIENNA, 19 February 2019 – Yesterday’s decision to uphold convictions and severe sentences handed down to dozens of Cumhuriyet journalists is a terrible setback and detrimental to Turkey’s commitments to free speech and independent media, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir said today...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Désir and Head of Mission Berton condemn threats against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Publishing date: 15 February 2019
VIENNA/SARAJEVO, 15 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, and the Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bruce G. Berton, today condemned several threats made against journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina...
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deeply concerned about new laws in Russia which would further strengthen state control of Internet
Publishing date: 14 February 2019
VIENNA, 14 February 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today expressed his serious concern regarding the amendments to the Russian federal laws on Communication and on Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information, which were adopted by the State Duma, in the first reading on 12 February...
OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities presents Tallinn Guidelines on National Minorities and the Media in the Digital Age
Publishing date: 13 February 2019
States need comprehensive and concrete policy advice on how to use media as a powerful tool for conflict prevention and social integration, said OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier as he presented The Tallinn Guidelines on National Minorities and the Media in the Digital Age in the Estonian capital on 13 February 2019...