The EBU has strongly condemned reports that violence has been used by Hungarian police against journalists covering the migrant/refugee crisis at the Horgos border crossing with Serbia in the past few days.

A number of journalists were reportedly attacked and injured while they were filming between the police cordon and a group of refugees at the Hungarian-Serbian border.

“We are appalled by all incidents of violence against journalists, wherever they occur. All necessary steps must be taken to ensure that they do not happen,” said EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre.

“We strongly believe in our democratic values and will boldly defend them. Journalists should be free to do their job without fear.”

The EBU believes that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, which is an indispensable part of a healthy functioning democracy. Journalists provide an essential role in bringing truth to society. They should be free to exercise their profession without fear of intimidation and violence.

The EBU is urging all relevant authorities to act swiftly to investigate incidents of violence and take any appropriate action.