U.S. Congressional commissions to hold press freedom briefing today

Washington/04.10.17/Turan: The U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, and the House Freedom of the Press Caucus, will told a joint briefing on systematic attacks on journalists in the post soviet states on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the organizers, autocratic regimes in the post-Soviet region seek to intimidate and silence the press by systematically targeting journalists.

A muzzled independent media is powerless to prevent the domination of the state-driven news narrative and public misinformation.

The briefing will address key questions regarding journalists in Russia and other post-Soviet states: their important role and impact; concerns over their rights, safety, and protection; and future support and promotion of media freedom in the OSCE region.

Opening remarks will be provided by the Co-Chairs of the House Freedom of the Press Caucus: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH)

The following panelists are scheduled to speak: Thomas Kent, President and CEO, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Amanda Bennett, Director, Voice of America, Nina Ognianova, Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator, Committee to Protect Journalists Karina Orlova, Washington DC Correspondent, Echo of Moscow Washington. D.C. -0-