OSCE Representative calls on Ukrainian authorities to respect journalists’ privilege of confidentiality of sources

VIENNA, 5 September 2018 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir today expressed his concern about a court decision in Kyiv ordering the disclosure of mobile-phone data of a Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) investigative reporter and the host of its Schemes programme, Natalia Sedletska.

“Investigative journalism plays the essential role of a watchdog in societies and journalists must be able to protect their sources. This is an established right for journalists and one of the basic conditions for media freedom,” Désir said. “I call on the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that all steps in line with international standards and OSCE commitments are taken to respect Natalia Sedletska’s privilege to keep her sources confidential.”

The court ruling is part of a criminal investigation into the alleged disclosure of state secrets to journalists in 2017 by a high-level public official. Reportedly, the court decision would enable the Prosecutor-General’s Office to access all of Sedletska's phone contacts, as well as the date, time, and duration of all calls. The decision would also allow authorities to review all text messages sent and received on Sedletska’s phone during the 17-month period, as well as other data – such as the journalist’s geolocation when she received or made each phone call. Schemes is the RFE/RL’s investigative programme focusing on corruption issues.

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.