OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Désir and Head of Mission Braathu condemn attack on journalist in Kosovo

On 16 August, Parim Olluri, journalist and director of the online newspaper “Insajderi”, known for its investigative work, was physically attacked by unknown assailants.

“Every attack against journalists is an unacceptable threat to the freedom of the media and the right of the public to be informed,” Désir said, recalling the crucial importance of free and independent media in democratic societies.

“This is an attack on the freedom of expression. Journalists should be free to state a different opinion without fear of violence or physical injury,” Braathu said. “I call on the authorities to swiftly investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Désir and Braathu welcomed the fact that the institutional and political leadership in Kosovo, the Kosovo Journalists Association (KJA), the European Union Office in Kosovo, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the Council for Defence of Human Rights and Freedoms, the Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS) and others have condemned the attack.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He 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.