The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, said he was “alarmed” by the attack on the Tajik journalist and appealed for “a quick and thorough investigation to bring culprits to justice.”
“Journalists must be safe to report on matters of public interest,” Mr. Desir wrote on Twitter.
The Representative’s activities can be divided into two groups: observing media developments as part of an early warning function and helping participating States abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media. This includes efforts to ensure the safety of journalists; assist with the development of media pluralism; promote decriminalization of defamation; combat hate speech while preserving freedom of expression; provide expert opinions on media regulation and legislation; promote Internet freedom; and assist with the process of switching from analogue to digital broadcasting. The Representative also holds annual regional media conferences, bringing together journalists, representatives of civil society and government, as well as academics, to discuss current media freedom issues.
