Important Facts of the News
- Delivered at the OSCE in Vienna on 6 November 2025.
- Joint statement issued by the UK, Canada, and 14 other OSCE members.
- Statement marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (2 November).
- Russia and Belarus accused of worsening conditions for journalists amid the war in Ukraine.
- At least three journalists – Olena Hramova, Yevhen Karmazin, and Antoni Lallican – killed in Russian drone attacks in Donetsk region.
- Two more journalists injured in the same incidents: Oleksandr Kolychiev and Georgiy Ivanchenko.
- Independent journalism criminalised in Russia under vague laws on extremism and “false information.”
- Belarus continues to detain journalists on politically motivated charges.
- Georgia criticised for legal actions undermining media freedom, including imprisonment of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli.
- Call for all OSCE states to uphold commitments under Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/18 on Safety of Journalists.
UK, Canada and Allies Condemn Attacks on Press Freedom
At a session in Vienna, the United Kingdom, Canada and 14 other member countries of the OSCE’s Informal Group of Friends on the Safety of Journalists made a strong appeal to Russia, Belarus and Georgia to honour their international commitments on media safety and accountability.
The statement, delivered on 6 November 2025, coincided with the observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. It was presented by Canadian Ambassador Véronique Pepin-Hallé, speaking on behalf of Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Canada.
Growing Dangers for Journalists in the OSCE Region
The member countries expressed grave concern over the rising hostility faced by journalists across the OSCE area. The ongoing war in Ukraine, driven by Russia with the backing of Belarus, has dramatically worsened the situation. Reporters, both local and foreign, continue to face detention, torture and even death for simply doing their jobs.
The statement paid tribute to the memory of journalists who lost their lives in recent Russian attacks in the Donetsk region, including Ukrainian reporter Olena Hramova, camera operator Yevhen Karmazin, and French photojournalist Antoni Lallican. Their colleagues Oleksandr Kolychiev and Georgiy Ivanchenko were seriously injured during the same strikes. The countries also remembered those who were abducted, tortured, or died in Russian captivity for reporting from occupied territories.
Suppression of Media in Russia, Belarus and Georgia
The joint declaration condemned the deliberate criminalisation of independent journalism in Russia, where reporters investigating corruption, dissent or the war in Ukraine are often accused of extremism or spreading “false information.”
Belarus was also criticised for its repressive use of criminal laws to target journalists and media workers under broad “extremism” and state security charges. Several reporters remain imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression.
In Georgia, the statement noted a sharp decline in media freedom. The conviction and jailing of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli in August 2025 were cited as evidence of growing political interference in media and the judiciary, signalling a troubling departure from the country’s past record of press independence.
Call to End Impunity and Uphold Commitments
The countries reaffirmed that protecting journalists is vital for safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. They urged all OSCE members to implement their commitments under Ministerial Council Decision No. 3/18, which addresses journalist safety and accountability for crimes against media workers.
The statement concluded that ending impunity is not only a matter of justice for reporters but also a defence of democracy itself. Member states pledged to continue supporting the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and to work collectively to ensure journalists can operate freely and safely.