OSCE media freedom representative concerned about reported police violence against journalists

VIENNA, 12 September 2013 - Turkish authorities must ensure that police violence against journalists is no longer tolerated, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today.

"I am concerned by reports that police in Turkey once again used force against reporters while their job is to protect them," she said .

"It is the responsibility of the Turkish authorities to ensure that all attacks on members of the media are investigated and prosecuted. The authorities should create conditions for free and safe reporting on all issues of public interest as a matter of urgency."

According to media reports several journalists were attacked by police during renewed protests on 10-11 September 2013. The number of injured  is not yet known, however  police allegedly beat or fired rubber bullets at journalist Rabia Celik from Vagus TV website,  freelance photographer Ufuk Kosar, independent journalist Ahmet Sik and Hürriyet journalist Riza Özel.

"I reiterate my call to the Turkish authorities, from 17 June, to stop intimidating journalists and acknowledge the indispensable role that reporters play in providing information," Mijatović said.

A related statement of the Representative can be accessed at: //www.osce.org/fom/102785