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Media freedom in Ukraine ‘deteriorating’ – European security organization ― RT News

The OSCE says it is concerned about deteriorating media freedom and journalists’ safety in Ukraine, warning that the media “has become a part of an information war” and should not be used for political purposes.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has reported over 20 cases when Russian journalists were denied entry to Ukraine, Dunja Mijatovic, the organization’s representative on media freedom, told journalists on Thursday.

“We still have reports about Russian journalists not being able to travel to Ukraine. More than 20 cases now from several media outlets,” she said, adding that those journalists should be able to challenge the ban.

According to the OSCE official, the situation is not getting any better.

“I can only say that the situation is not moving in the direction that we would call vibrant and healthy media freedom environment,” Mijatovic said, Itar-Tass reported. “We have many reports of journalists being harassed and intimidated and media offices raided.”

An OSCE delegation is planning to travel to Ukraine next week.

“We're going to go to Kharkov, Kiev and Odessa to meet journalists from all parts of Ukraine,” Mijatovic said.