OSCE/ODIHR Director Michael Link expresses shock over Orlando shootings, commends calls for unity in face of hatred and terror

WARSAW, 13 June 2016 – Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), expressed shock and grief today following the tragic shooting yesterday in a gay club in Orlando, Florida that left 50 people dead and another 53 wounded.

“My first thoughts are with the victims and their families and friends,” Director Link said. “I commend and echo the statement made by President Obama highlighting the need for togetherness and unity in the face of this act of hatred and terror.”

“The attack was clearly intended to target the LGBTI community with a horrible message of hatred and exclusion, and swiftly delivering messages denouncing this attempt to terrorize a community and divide society are absolutely crucial to assuring victims and making clear that these acts cannot be tolerated,” the ODIHR Director said. “I praise the swift reaction not only on the part of the President, but of many political leaders in the United States in delivering the message that violence and hatred towards any community or individual cannot be tolerated in any way.”

Director Link also praised the swift reaction by law enforcement agencies and the authorities, and called for a thorough investigation of the attack.

“I urge the authorities to conduct a full investigation into this horrific crime and the bias motivations behind it, in line with the very human rights that attacks like these are intended to corrode,” he said.  “Such a response by the authorities is critical to reassuring the LGBTI community and society at large that every effort is being made to provide security for all.”