VIENNA, 6 May 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today called for an effective investigation into the attempted murder of journalist Vadim Komarov in Cherkasy, Ukraine.

“I condemn this very violent attack against journalist Vadim Komarov in Cherkazy that has left him in a coma and barely alive. This is an attempted murder against a local investigative journalist known for his reporting on corruption. This targeted attack is particularly alarming and cannot remain unpunished. The investigation was promptly initiated and I call on the authorities to do their utmost to fully investigate the crime,” Désir stressed.

Local journalist and blogger Vadim Komarov, known for his investigative reports on corruption, was attacked in the morning of 4 May in the centre of the city of Cherkasy. He was hit on the head several times and is still in coma after a neurosurgical operation in a local hospital.

“I hope Vadim Komarov will fully recover soon and that he and his colleagues will be protected from violence and intimidation,” the Representative said.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.