Switzerland should safeguard journalists’ right to protection of sources

VIENNA, 21 February 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today called on Swiss authorities to improve journalists’ rights following a court ruling ordering Nina Jecker, a Basler Zeitung reporter, to identify her source in a criminal trial.

“Journalists have the right to protect their sources. The authorities must bear in mind possible consequences to media freedom when limiting a journalist’s right to keep sources confidential,” Mijatović said.

Jecker posted a story on 9 October 2012 about drug sales. Swiss authorities initiated a criminal case solely based on the information in the article. The authorities then ordered Jecker to reveal the identity of the individual, a decision that was overruled by the Basel Appeal Court, but upheld by the Federal Court on 31 January 2014.

“Only in exceptional cases should a journalist be required to take part in investigations by law enforcement agencies. I call on the Swiss authorities to strengthen journalists’ right to protection of sources and not to use journalists to gather evidence for their cases,” Mijatović said.

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.