Harlem Desir is leaving, but does not say goodbye

Baku/16.07.20/Turan: The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir expressed gratitude for efforts in advancing media freedom, as well as for your fruitful co-operation and support.

He wrote, “Before leaving the Office, I wanted to warmly thank you, for all your work and efforts in advancing media freedom, as well as for your fruitful co-operation and support. Many of our battles would have not been won, or possible, without your incredible commitment and tireless campaigning. It has been a true honor to serve as the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to meet the passionate and fearless advocates that you all are. I hope we will have further occasions to meet and to co-operate for advancing human rights and media freedom.

I also wish to express how moved I was by the many messages of support you have sent me over the last few weeks, as well as by your statements of support to this institution. I feel deeply honored by such a testimony of trust.

 As I am about to finish my Mandate, I worry about leaving the Institution without a Mandate-holder, but feel better knowing that there is a strong team in place and that you will continue to fight for media freedom and freedom of expression. I wish you the very best, and do sincerely hope that our paths will meet again.”

Harlem Desir's mandate was not extended because Azerbaijan has blocked his  re-election. Official Baku accused him of a biased negative position on the situation in the field of freedom of the media in Azerbaijan. -0—