OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

During my visit to #Kazakhstan, we discussed #mediafreedom issues & our legal review of the Draft Law on Mass Media. I stressed the importance of legislation fit to address current & emerging challenges, drafted in an inclusive legislative process. Read: https://t.co/FxVMlshuer

I am shocked by the recent killing in #Georgia of the well-known journalist from #Kazakhstan, Zhanbota Tolegen, reportedly by an acquaintance of hers. Her death is a significant loss to the journalistic community. I extend my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.

Shocked to hear that explosives were detonated in the cars of Roman Egorov, a camera operator connected to journalist @vadim_boreiko, who was also recently attacked. Full investigation into this case & other attacks on media should be ensured by the #Kazakhstan authorities.

Yesterday’s attack in Atyrau on Olesya Vertinskaya from Dorojniy Kontrol information portal is an unacceptable act of violence against a media worker. I trust that the authorities of #Kazakhstan will do their utmost to bring the perpetrator to justice. #Noimpunity

Today’s #Kazakhstan Supreme Court decision to finally acquit head of National Press Club Seitkazy Mataev & his son Aset Mataev of news agency @kaztag_kz from the harsh sentences they got in 2016 is a welcome step forward for #mediafreedom. Prior statement: https://www.osce.org/fom/271606