OSCE Presence condemns violent attack against Albanian newspaper editor

TIRANA, 3 November 2009 - The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Robert Bosch, condemned today a violent attack on the editor of the Tema newspaper.

Mero Baze was beaten yesterday in Tirana and taken to hospital for treatment following an attack that, according to media reports, was linked to Baze's reporting in the newspaper and on television. Police are investigating and have arrested two suspects.

"We condemn all forms of physical violence, especially attacks targeting the media. All journalists, irrespective of their perceived political hue, must be allowed to carry out their daily work without fear of physical reprisals," Bosch said.

"Freedom of the media is a crucial tenet of any modern, democratic and free society."

Bosch said he supported the reactions from the Albanian president and the prime minister. He also strongly encouraged the relevant national authorities to bring those responsible for this serious act to justice.