The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic on January 24 condemned the continued deterioration of media freedom and safety of journalists in conflict-affected parts of Ukraine. This was noted in her statement, published on the OSCE website - Ukrainska Pravda reports.
"Following the latest Report of the Chief Monitor of the Special Monitoring Mission to the OSCE Permanent Council, the Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today condemned the continued deterioration of media freedom and safety of journalists in conflict-affected parts of Ukraine", - the OSCE press service said.
On January 19, OSCE Chief Monitor, Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, among other issues, highlighted several developments, which continue to limit freedom of expression and freedom of the media in areas not controlled by the Ukrainian government, including a ban of over 350 websites and continued restriction of access to Ukrainian media outlets, both in print and broadcast.
Particularly worrying, the Representative noted, is the continued threats and intimidation of media workers, as well as the arrests of bloggers Eduard Nedelyaev and Gennadiy Benitskiy by the “LPR” members.
As is the case in Crimea, the ongoing deterioration of free expression and free media in conflict-affected parts of Ukraine is deeply disturbing.
In addition, the Representative expressed concern once again regarding the persecution of Crimean journalist Nikolay Semena, who might be sentenced to 5 year imprisonment in Russia.
“The case of Semena reminds us all of the arbitrary practice of silencing critical voices in Crimea. It is totally unacceptable to persecute the journalist for expressing his views”, - Mijatović said while calling for all charges against Semena to be dropped.