The Swedish Government decided on measures to strengthen the protection of journalists against threats and hatred. Victim Support Sweden was allocated SEK 1 million to build up a national contact point for journalists who need support or protection. At the same time, the Media Authority, through an amendment to the appropriation letter, is tasked with monitoring the issue of journalists' safety and bringing together relevant actors for dialogue.
Victim Support Sweden has applied for funding to build up expertise about the special needs journalists have in terms of support or protection if they are exposed to threats, hatred or other types of vulnerability linked to their professional practice. The funds will also be used to increase the organisation's knowledge of existing public or private support functions or other measures that can meet these needs.
"A functioning democracy depends on free media where journalists can do their job without having to endure threats and hatred. The Government wants to safeguard this and therefore I am pleased to be able to give Victim Support Sweden the opportunity to support, not least, freelance journalists who do not have the same protection and support from an employer," said Minister of Culture Parisa Liljestrand.
"The government has previously made a decision to strengthen the criminal law protection for journalists, among other things. We are now taking further measures to safeguard the safety of journalists and, by extension, democratic society," said Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
The two ministers will also invite industry and stakeholders to a roundtable discussion on the work to protect journalists' safety.
