OSCE media freedom representative concerned by disappearance of journalists in eastern Ukraine

VIENNA, 25 April 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the disappearance in Donetsk of Julia Shustraya and Mikhail Pudovkin, a journalist and a cameraman with LifeNews.

According to media reports Shustraya and Pudovkin were apprehended by an armed group.  Their current whereabouts are unknown.

“I am very concerned by repeated attacks and disappearances of journalists. Journalists must be allowed to report freely and their safety ensured by all those in charge,” said Mijatović.

In a letter sent today to Minister of Interior Arsen Avakov, Mijatović expressed concern and requested information on the case.