@OSCE
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media raised concern over Ukraine authorities actions towards Russian media, RIA Novosti reports.
Harlem Désir expressed worries over raids in Russia's RIA Novosti, journalists' arrests, home searches. He calls not to restrict activities of foreign journalists. "I express serious concern about this morning's raid on Russian media offices in Kiev, the arrest of journalists, and the search of journalists' homes. I reiterate my call on the authorities to refrain from imposing unnecessary limitations on the work of foreign journalists, which affects the free flow of information and freedom of the media," he said in a statement posted on the OSCE's website.
Désir reminded that the OSCE participating States have committed to facilitate the conditions under which journalists can freely work in any of participating countries.
It's worth mentioning that the day before the Ukrainian Security Service broke into the RIA Novosti-Ukraine Kiev office and conducted there search for several hours. Apart of that, the RIA Novosti journalist Kirill Vyshinsky was detained by Ukrainian law enforcement officers and charged with high treason.
Note, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia will reciprocate in response to Ukrainian authorities' actions. Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov has stressed that Russia has repeatedly drawn world attention to the fact that Russian journalists can't carry out their activities freely in the territory of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia has sent Ukraine protest note over searches at RIA Novosti news agency and the journalist' arrest. Russian MFA believes that the international community to adequately respond to the violations of freedom of expression in Ukraine.
Russkiy Mir
