Statement of Dunja Mijatović on 10th anniversary of Elmar Huseynov`s murder

On the 10th anniversary of the death of Azeri journalist Elmar Huseynov, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović, called on OSCE participating States to ensure journalists’ safety and the right to freedom of expression.

“On the anniversary of the death of Elmar Huseynov, the issue of journalists’ safety must be raised,” Mijatović said. “Attacks and harassment of journalists in the OSCE region is growing while thorough investigations are scarce, which has a chilling effect on free media.”

Elmar Huseynov, the founder and editor of the independent weekly news magazine Monitor, was shot and killed outside his apartment on 2 March 2005. The magazine had been under constant pressure from authorities for the critical nature of some of the articles published. Huseynov’s killers remain at large.  

“I call on the governments of all OSCE participating States to thoroughly and fully investigate all attacks on media representatives for performing their professional duties,” Mijatović said. “These horrific crimes must be publicly condemned and the perpetrators must be brought to justice to prevent an environment of intimidation, fear and impunity.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. -0-