WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) announced today they will host a hearing:
“Threats to Free Media in the OSCE Region”
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
11:00 a.m.
SVC 210/212 (Capitol Visitor Center)
The Commission hearing will examine the significant challenges faced by journalists and independent media throughout the OSCE region. Among top concerns are physical threats and violence targeting journalists, including the murder of scores of investigative reporters. The Commission remains concerned over a variety of policies, including criminal defamation laws, which have a chilling effect on media freedoms, and tight restrictions on the Internet and new media technologies.
Witnesses scheduled to testify:
Ms. Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
Mr. Sam Patten, Senior Program Manager for Eurasia, Freedom House
Mr. Muzaffar Suleymanov, Research Associate for Europe and Central Asia, Committee to Protect Journalists
