OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir to Appear at Helsinki Commission Hearing

Wednesday, July 17, 2019, 4:00 am

WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing:

STATE OF MEDIA FREEDOM IN THE OSCE REGION

Thursday, July 25, 2019 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Capitol Visitor Center Room HVC-210

Live Webcast: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission

Journalists working in the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) are facing increased risks to their lives and safety. According to a new report released the Office of the Representative for Freedom of the Media, in the first six months of 2019, two journalists have been killed and an additional 92 attacks and threats—including one bombing, three shootings, and seven arson attacks—have targeted members of the media. In his first appearance before Congress, OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media Harlem Desir will assess the fragile state of media freedom within the OSCE region. Mr. Desir also will address the number of imprisoned media professionals as well as the violence, threats, and intimidation directed toward female journalists. The hearing will explore the threat posed by disinformation and online content designed to provoke violence and hate. Following the hearing, at 5:00 p.m. in Room HVC-200, the Helsinki Commission will host a viewing of the documentary, "A Dark Place," which details the online harassment of female journalists working in the OSCE region.

Media contact

Email csce.press@mail.house.gov

Phone (202) 225-1901

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