OSCE’s representative for freedom in media Dunja Mijatovic has responded to the new incidents where journalists were exposed to verbal and physical attacks in Macedonia.

"The last threats over the media are terrifying. The media must stay away from threats so the society can allow independent, critical and plural opinions. I call the authorities to immediately examine these attacks," says Mijatovic's statement.

Her office says she is in contact with OSCE’s mission in Macedonia regarding the case of the verbal attack over the host Janko Ilkovski, that occurred last Friday in front of his home. The attack took place on the same day when music journalist Antonio Dimitrievski stated for Radio Slobodna Makedonija that he was being attacked by referendum activist Nikola Naumoski. The latest announcement of Mijatovic reveals the reaction over the verbal attacks and threats against journalists in Skopje and Bitola, when journalist Fergim Demiri was prevented from reporting an event in the House of Culture.

"These incidents are contributing to the negative media atmosphere in this country where recently there has been an arrest and criminal charge against a journalist, calling that same journalist a foreign agent and directing death threats. This tendency must change. The notable division in the media community increases these problems. Now more than ever there needs to be a greater solidarity among the journalists," Mijatovic stated.