OSCE media freedom representative gravely concerned about presence of armed people at state-run channel Krym in Ukraine

NEW YORK, 28 February 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom Dunja Mijatović today expressed her concern about the presence of armed group of people at national TV and radio channel Krym in Simferopol, Ukraine.

“I am troubled by the reports about the situation, which can intimidate journalists,” Mijatović said. “I am deeply concerned about the media freedom situation in Simferopol and the Crimean peninsula as a whole, following the current political developments in Ukraine.

“Safety of media workers must be ensured at all times and their work must be respected. In such difficult and sensitive situations as Ukraine finds itself in at the moment, media freedom and plurality of opinion must be ensured.”

According to media reports, the channel’s building is surrounded by a group of some 20 armed unidentified people who control access to the premises but do not interfere with the work of journalists.

Mijatović is currently in New York participating in an international conference on media freedom.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.