OSCE media freedom representative concerned about attack against Swedish editor-in-chief

VIENNA, 6 January 2014 - OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about yesterday's attack against journalist PeO Wärring, editor-in-chief of Swedish newspaper Eskilstuna-Kuriren.

“I trust that the authorities will conduct a thorough and swift investigation of this case and bring those responsible to justice. Attacks against journalists are unacceptable and any attempt to silence critical voices must be stifled," Mijatović said.

Wärring was beaten by a group of attackers on Sunday in Eskilstuna, a town 90 kilometers west of Stockholm. He suffered injuries and had to seek medical treatment. Wärring was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after treatment of his injuries.

Under the leadership of Wärring, Eskilstuna-Kuriren has reported extensively about organized crime in the Eskilstuna-region. Employees at the newspaper have previously received threats and in April a car belonging to a reporter at the newspaper was vandalized.