The OSCE's media-freedom representative has highlighted the 15th anniversary of the disappearance of Ukrainian investigative journalist Heorhiy Gongadze by reiterating her call for authorities in Kyiv to fully investigate the crime.
Gongadze disappeared on September 16, 2000. His decapitated body was found later, buried in a shallow grave in a wooded area outside of Kyiv.
Dunja Mijatovic, the media-freedom representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), said on September 16, "Gongadze paid the ultimate price for his courageous work.
Fifteen years on, his killing continues to have a dampening effect on the free expression and free media in Ukraine."
Mijatovic added, "the masterminds behind this vicious crime must be brought to justice."
She also expressed concern about the lack of progress in investigations of at least nine killings and numerous attacks against journalists in Ukraine since fighting with pro-Russian separatists began in April 2014.
