OSCE condemns attack on journalist in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA / VIENNA, 27 January 2016 – The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today expressed concern over the attack yesterday on Gazmend Morina, a journalist with the Mitrovica South-based news portal Veriu.info.

“I strongly condemn this attack. Journalists should be able to work freely and safely, regardless of the issue they are pursuing,” said Schlumberger.

Morina was physically attacked by two people, one of them a municipal assembly member, following his critical reports on the management of the Trepca mining complex. 

“It is the task of journalists to inquire about all possible issues of public interest, and the obligation of public officials to be accountable,” said Schlumberger. He urged law enforcement bodies and Mitrovica South municipality to take appropriate measures.

“An attack against a journalist is an attack against society as a whole,” Mijatović said. “Physical safety is a basic precondition for members of the media to do their work. This incident must be swiftly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It is helping safeguard freedom of the media and freedom of expression and supports media development.