OSCE media freedom watchdog presents report on journalists' rights during political demonstrations

VIENNA, 21 June 2007 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, issued a special report today on the problems faced by journalists when covering political demonstrations.

The paper, Handling of the media during political demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations, was presented during Haraszti's regular report to the OSCE Permanent Council, the Organization's regular decision-making body.

"Law-enforcement officials have a constitutional responsibility not to prevent or obstruct the work of journalists during public demonstrations," said Miklos Haraszti.

"And journalists have a right to expect fair and restrained treatment by the police."

The report and its recommendations were developed following an increase in the severity of the treatment of journalists by law-enforcers in some of the 56 OSCE participating States in recent months.

The Report is available in English and Russian on the OSCE website at:

Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations  (English)

Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations  (Russian)