234 Ford House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-6460
Hon. Christopher H. Smith, Chairman
Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin, Co-Chairman

www.csce.gov
Media Contact: Neil Simon
202.225.1901
June 9, 2010

HEARING ON MEDIA FREEDOM

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) announced today they will host a hearing:

“Threats to Free Media in the OSCE Region”

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

11:00 a.m.

SVC 210/212 (Capitol Visitor Center)

The Commission hearing will examine the significant challenges faced by journalists and independent media throughout the OSCE region. Among top concerns are physical threats and violence targeting journalists, including the murder of scores of investigative reporters. The Commission remains concerned over a variety of policies, including criminal defamation laws, which have a chilling effect on media freedoms, and tight restrictions on the Internet and new media technologies.

Witnesses scheduled to testify:

- Ms. Dunja Mijatovic, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
- Mr. Sam Patten, Senior Program Manager for Eurasia, Freedom House
- Mr. Muzaffar Suleymanov, Research Associate for Europe and Central Asia, Committee to Protect Journalists

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The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent agency of the Federal Government charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 56 countries. The Commission consists of nine members from the U.S. Senate, nine from the House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce.