The Council of Europe today adopted a set of guidelines aimed to ensure the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists in its 47 member states.
In a Recommendation, the Committee of Ministers – the organisation´s decision-making body- encouraged states to review their national legislation and practice concerning media freedom to make sure they are in conformity with the European Convention of Human Rights.
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said: ”Journalists and free media play an essential role in any functioning democracy. They must be allowed to scrutinise those in power and expose corruption. It is our duty to defend freedom of expression and to protect journalists.”
The guidelines contain specific measures to be taken by states to prevent violations of media freedom – including physical violence against journalists – to effectively protect journalism and journalists, and to prosecute crimes committed against them. It also offers guidance to states on how to fulfil their obligations, combining legal, administrative and practical measures.
This article was published on the Council of Europe Website. Visit http://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/council-of-europe-adopts-guidelines-to-protect-media-freedom-and-journalists
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