OSCE media freedom representative condemns brutal attack on Ukraininan journalist, calls for thorough investigation

25 December 2013 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed deep concern about journalists’ safety in Ukraine following an attack on Tatyana Chernovil, a journalist with Ukrainskaya pravda.

Chernovil was severely beaten last night after being followed on her way from Boryspil to Kyiv. Reportedly she suffered serious injuries, including a concussion and broken nose.

“Attacks on journalists cannot be tolerated, there must be no impunity for the perpetrators. I welcome that President Yanukovich condemned this attack and call on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice,” Mijatović said Media reports that police has launched an investigation on hooliganism charges. According to Ukrainskaya pravda, Chernovil´s latest and critical reports covered high-level law enforcement officials.

Mijatović also reiterated her call to the Ukrainian authorities to improve the safety of journalists which has unfortunately deteriorated in recent weeks.