(AGENPARL) – mar 02 maggio 2023 [Image]
MEDIA RELEASE
Communications
Ref. DC 097(2023)
Press Freedom Day
Secretary General: European states should take urgent action to protect journalism and enhance the safety of journalists
“As journalists and other media actors are increasingly subject to undue pressure, intimidation, violence and other forms of interference with their work in many European countries, it has become urgent to devise national action plans for the safety of journalists.
“Governments should address the need to strengthen the protection of journalists, effectively prosecute perpetrators of crimes against them, and to raise awareness in our societies about the crucial role diverse and independent media play to preserve true democracy.
“To protect our democratic freedoms, it is essential that states create a favourable environment for plural and independent media to flourish and play their essential “watchdog” role. And for this to be possible, they must be able to hold governments and other actors to account, by disseminating information, promoting the participation in the public debate and the expression of ideas and opinions without fear.
“Anti-media rhetoric has no place in a democratic society. Any threat or attack against journalists should be condemned by politicians.
“The focus should now be on effectively implementing these standards in practice at national level. We expect the upcoming five-year Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists, to be launched in October 2023, to be a step forward in the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists at European level, to be supported by corresponding campaigns at national level.
“It has long been time for meaningful action to address the deterioration of press freedom. The campaign will provide a remarkable opportunity to apply in practice the Council of Europe’s standards to protect journalists”.
Press Contacts
Council of Europe, Media Assistance Unit
Council of Europe/Conseil de l’Europe, Avenue de l’Europe, Strasbourg, . 67000 France