OSCE rep hails law on journalists’ safety

VIENNA – Speaking for the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović on May 15 welcomed the adoption of a law in Ukraine that increases penalties for crimes committed against journalists and their close relatives. On May 14 the Verkhovna Rada amended the Criminal Code increasing criminal responsibility for hindering journalists’ work. The amendments include sanctions for: threats of murder and violence; deliberate attacks; deliberate destruction or damage to property; murder or attempted murder; abduction and detention. “I trust that these important legislative changes will contribute to ensuring journalists’ safety in Ukraine,” Ms. Mijatović said. “The authorities should spare no efforts in fully investigating the circumstances of all crimes committed against members of the media, including the numerous attacks and killings in recent years. There must be no impunity for crimes committed against journalists.” In addition, amendments have been adopted to the “Law on State Support of Mass Media and Social Protection of Journalists,” which enhance support to journalists or their families if a member of the media is killed or injured on the job. “The security situation for journalists in different regions of Ukraine remains worrying,” Ms. Mijatović said. “Unfortunately, members of the media continue to pay a very high price for doing their job.” (OSCE)