VIENNA, 11 June 2019 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, today condemned the attack on Vadim Makaryuk, a cameraman for the 24th channel and Visti.News portal, and called on the Ukrainian authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident.

On 7 June, Makaryuk was attacked with tear gas and beaten by unidentified men while filming a business-related dispute in the Barabashov marketplace in Kharkiv. As a result, Makaryuk received serious head injuries and was hospitalized with cerebral haemorrhage. He remains in critical condition at the hospital. The attackers also seized and damaged his camera and a memory stick. The police have launched an investigation and reportedly identified two alleged suspects.

“I condemn the attack and beating of Vadim Makaryuk, and urge the authorities to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators of this attack swiftly to justice,” Désir said. “Targeting and attacking journalists because of their work is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

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.