OSCE media freedom representative condemns killing of journalist in Poland

BONN, Germany, 23 June 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today strongly condemned the recent killing of the Polish journalist Łukasz Masiak. Mijatović also expressed her sincere condolences to Masiak’s family and colleagues.

“This is a tragedy and a horrific reminder of the dangers journalists face around the world,” Mijatović said. “Journalists are increasingly targeted because of their profession and what they say and write, and this trend has to stop.”

According to media reports, Masiak was brutally beaten in Mława town centre in north-central Poland on 14 June.  He suffered fatal head injuries and later died at a local hospital. The perpetrator is still at large. Masiak, the founder and publisher of news website NaszaMlawa.pl, was well known for his reporting on crime in the region.

“I call on the Polish authorities to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this deadly attack and to bring those responsible to justice,” Mijatović said.

Mijatović is in Bonn participating in the Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum.

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 www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.