The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its European group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) today called for the release of a Serbian journalist, Viktor Lazic, who was arrested in the self- proclaimed territory of South Ossetia on 3 September and held in detention since then. The journalist who writes for the Press newspaper, a Serbian daily, had travelled to South Ossetia from Georgia.

"We appeal to the authorities in South Ossetia to free Lazic who is a well-travelled journalist and was there to do his job as a reporter," said Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary. "We are concerned about reports of harsh conditions in which he is detained, including solitary confinement, and urge his immediate release."

According to the Press newspaper's editor, Marko Prelevic, Lazic was arrested and interrogated about the purpose of his visit to the region. He was reportedly held in isolation but later had his conditions relaxed and was allowed to leave his cell for exercises. According to some reports, the authorities allegedly accused the journalist of spying.

Prelevic dismisses these accusations, saying that Lazic is a bona fide journalist who has reported from around the world in the past without any problems.

The IFJ says that the failure of the authorities to bring charges against Lazic shows there is no basis for holding him any longer.

"There has been not a shred of evidence to warrant his detention and the clamor for his freedom will only increase every single day," added Costa. "It is time to do the right thing and let him go now."

For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 131 countries