OSCE media freedom representative welcomes decision lifting ban on Russian journalist

ISTANBUL, 8 May 2014 – OSCE Media Freedom Representative Dunja Mijatović today welcomed a court decision lifting an order banning journalist Aksana Panova from working as a journalist.

“I have followed the case of Panova closely from the very beginning and I am pleased to learn about the court decision allowing her to continue her professional work, removing disproportional limitations to free media and free expression,” Mijatović said.

The ban was handed down on 9 January against Panova, the founder and former chief editor of Ura.ru and chief editor of Znak.com news agency. On 7 May the Sverdlovsk Regional Court (second instance) annulled the part of the verdict banning her from working as a journalist.

“Banning a journalist from working is a severe form of censorship. This penalty, which has a clear chilling effect on media freedom, should never again be used against members of the media,” Mijatović said.

The Representative’s statement from 9 January is available here: www.osce.org/fom/110256

Mijatović is in Istanbul participating in an international conference.

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.