Press Release
Council of Europe Office in Georgia
26, Kakabadzeebi Brothers street, 0108 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel.: +995 32 291 38 70 / 71 / 72 / 73
Fax: +995 32 291 38 74
E-mail: informtbilisi@coe.int
www.coe.ge
Governments and journalists share responsibility for a free press
Strasbourg,
02.05.2012
– Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland has warned that close
and non-transparent relationships between media and governments are a risk to
pluralistic societies. In a statement to mark World Press Freedom Day he said: "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights. A free press is vital for any democracy. Elected politicians have a duty to ensure that journalists can work freely and without fear of state repression. The Council of Europe promotes press freedom by advising governments on media legislation and, where necessary, by helping member states to meet their obligations under the Convention through specific co-operation programmes.
“But the onus is not on governments alone. Pluralistic societies are at risk when media try to exert influence on governments to gain economic advantage and business ties between journalists and politicians remain undisclosed.
“The invasion of people's right to privacy (also protected by the Convention) through illegal practices, such as phone hacking, is equally damaging to democracies. The evidence emerging from the Leveson inquiry into media ethics in the UK is a stark reminder to journalists and governments of their shared responsibility to safeguard a free press. Europe's citizens have a right to it."
For more information see: www.coe.int / www.coe.ge
A
political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to promote
democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops common responses to
social, cultural and legal challenges in its 47 member states.
Council of Europe Office in Georgia