Russia didn't allow Mijatovic to visit Suchshenko

The Russian Federation refuse Dunja Mijatovic, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, to visit detained journalist of Ukrinform, Roman Sushchenko, arguing that the lack of the appropriate authority of the OSCE. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic state it in the latest regular report to the OSCE Permanent Council, reports Ukrinform.

"On 11 November I received a reply from the authorities stating that the case falls beyond my mandate." - said in its report Mijatovic.

According to her, the Russians called the Sushchenko's detention "not related to his professional activity". She assured that the journalist has been granted all procedural privileges according to the criminal law.

Mijatovic wrote on Nov.3 that she repeatedly appealed to the Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov demanding to visit "only foreign journalist under arrest in the OSCE region and the only journalist under arrest in the Russian Federation." She also gave "high profile" of the Sushchenko's case and expressed readiness to meet with relevant authorities to discuss issues related to media freedom.

Nov.28 Lefortovsky Court extended arrest of Roman Suchshenko until January 30, 2017, reports IMI.

Nov. 29 Roman Suchshenko's lawyer Mark Feygin informed that he is flying to Paris for meetings with French officials.