Freedom of Expression, Free Media and Human Rights Defenders

On the Occasion of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting, Warsaw

Freedom of expression, and media freedoms in particular, are in danger in many OSCE participating states. In
too many countries, severe restrictions and abuse afflict brave journalists whose writings focus on sensitive
topics, such as abuse of power and corruption. These violations are in and of themselves abhorrent; but they
also deserve serious attention because of the detrimental impact they have on efforts to combat corruption—a
pervasive inhibitor to the political and economic development of the region.