03. 05. 2007

OSCE MISSION HEAD SAYS MEDIA PROFESSIONALS IN SERBIA NEED SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT

BELGRADE, 3 May 2007 - To mark World Press Freedom Day today, the Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Hans Ola Urstad, said that media professionals in Serbia needed a safer working environment and called for the protection of the fundamental human right to freedom of opinion and expression.

"Freedom of expression and freedom of the media are essential to every society," said Ambassador Urstad. "But if journalists are attacked or threatened, these freedoms can be constrained."

He said the unresolved deaths of journalists Dada Vujasinovic, Slavko Curuvija and Milan Pantic, and recent cases of harassment and intimidation of journalists, could "lead to self-censorship by journalists who fear the State is not able to protect them."

"In a democracy, the media have the task of informing citizens about issues and events of public concern. Their role as guardians of democracy includes exposing to the public any misconduct and abuse of public interest. It is crucial to guarantee the safety for all media professionals," he said.

"We support the development of diverse and free media in Serbia, in accordance with the highest international standards," added Urstad.

OSCE Mission to Serbia
Contacts:
Dinka Zivalj
Spokesperson/Head
Press and Public Information
Bulevar Kneza Aleksandra Karadjordjevica 26
11000 Belgrade
Serbia
Tel: +381 11 3606 150, 151
+381 63 337 461 (mobile)
Fax: +381 11 3606 116
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