OSCE urges Russia to guarantee journalists' safety following threats to Novaya Gazeta
BRUSSELS. Oct 19 (Interfax) - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Desir, has urged the Russian authorities to guarantee the safety of the staff of Novaya Gazeta and hold those who threatened them responsible.
"Threats to media workers are completely unacceptable, as they undermine independent and investigative journalism, sow fear and affect freedom of expression and the free flow of information," Desir said in a statement published on the OSCE website.
"I deplore the latest death threats directed at Novaya Gazeta's staff and urge the authorities to ensure the journalists' safety and bring the responsible to justice," he said.
Dmitry Muratov, the chairman of Novaya Gazeta's editorial board, told Interfax earlier that the threats had been reported to the police. The police have launched a probe.