21. 12. 2007

OSCE MISSION, EIGHT EMBASSIES EXPRESS CONCERN WITH MEDIA SITUATION IN SERBIA, CALL FOR RESPECT FOR MEDIA FREEDOM

BELGRADE, 21 December 2007 - The OSCE Mission to Serbia and eight embassies supporting its media-related work - Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States - expressed their concern today over recent threats to journalists and the use of hate speech against some elements of the media in Serbia.

They issued the following statement:

"A free, independent and responsible media are a precondition for a free and democratic election process. It is necessary to create a climate enabling fair, objective and accurate reporting, particularly during the campaigning for the January presidential elections. Media access for all political actors should be ensured, and language that supports a culture of dialogue during the electoral debates and that is respectful of all citizens of Serbia is equally important.

"The latest threats against some media outlets may be perceived as a violation of democratic values and freedom of speech in the country. It is critical that media freedoms are upheld and journalists are able to report without fear."