OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern over questioning and search of Canadian photojournalist at the United States border

STOCKHOLM, 2 December 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern over the treatment of Canadian photojournalist Edward Ou in October by U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities in Vancouver.

In an incident which became public recently, border officials questioned Ou for six hours, reportedly searched his phone and other mobile devices before denying him entry into the United States. Ou was on assignment for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to report on protests against the Dakota Access pipeline in North Dakota.

“This warrantless search sends a chill throughout the media community,” Mijatovic said. “Government officials should not use border control to gather information in violation of a journalist’s right to protect his work and confidential sources.”

Mijatović is in Stockholm marking the 250th anniversary of the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act.

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.