Independence of institutions must be respected, says OSCE Mission to Serbia Acting Head Uyehara

BELGRADE, 21 April 2015 - The OSCE Mission to Serbia is concerned about the ongoing campaign against the Serbian Ombudsman institution and Ombudsman Saša Janković.

“Independent institutions, responsible media, transparent government operating under the rule of law, as well as an accountable police service, are fundamental elements for the functioning of any democracy,” said Acting Head of the OSCE Mission Michael Uyehara. “Irresponsible reporting, including the deliberate use of allegations, rumours or insinuations and an absence of analytical debate within the institutions undermine citizens’ trust in their government.”

“The OSCE Mission will continue to support independent institutions, regulatory bodies and professional media in order to enable them to perform their unhindered oversight function,” said Uyehara.