Mijatović condemned recent attacks on journalist in Ukraine

VIENNA, 14 February 2017 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović condemned recent arson attacks on a journalist’s car and television channels M1 and M2 in Ukraine, OSCE reports.

On 12 February a car belonging to Sergei Guz, chief editor of the news website 5692.com.ua and the newspaper Gorod 5692, was set on fire in the courtyard of his house in Kamianske in the Dnipropetrovsk oblast. The journalist links the attack to his professional activity and critical reporting on local authorities by his media outlets.

On 27 January and 10 February there were repeated attempts to set fire to TV studios used by music channels M1 and M2 in Kyiv.

“These attacks clearly have the intent to harass members of the media and must not be tolerated,” Mijatović said. “I welcome the fact that the police have launched an investigation into the arson attack on Sergei Guz’ car and I hope this crime will be swiftly and thoroughly investigated.”