Newsroom - Cyberviolence against journalists
New guidance issued to countries on limiting use of criminal law to restrict freedom of expression
Excessive limits on freedom of expression harm Europe’s democratic security
Stifling of freedom of expression via the law is increasingly a problem in Europe. According to data from the Platform to promote the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists, there has been a sharp rise in the detention and imprisonment of journalists since 2019. The European Court...
Police in North Macedonia equipped to better protect journalists
Recognising the vital role of journalists as watchdogs of democracy, police forces in North Macedonia were empowered with tools and knowledge to better protect media professionals from threats, harassment, and violence—both offline and online. In this framework, with the support of the EU and...
From war zones to demonstrations and online attacks, journalists need protection from threats and violence
This week's conference of the Journalists Matter campaign of the Council of Europe revealed increasing levels of threats against journalists. Participants like Wim Hoonhout, team leader and coordinator of the Netherlands Central Police, called for more safeguards to protect journalists from...
Cybercrime and freedom of expression discussion paper now available in FR and ES
The recent discussion paper on cybercrime and freedom of expression prepared under the Octopus Project and published in December 2023, is now available in French and Spanish. This paper aims at supporting policy makers, legislators and criminal justice practitioners in their development and...
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe recommends that member States strengthen support to safe and free journalism and to engage in the Campaign for the Safety of Journalists - Journalists Matter
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a Recommendation and a Resolution based on the Report Guaranteeing media freedom and the safety of journalists: an obligation of member States. The report, presented by Mr Mogens Jensen, the General Rapporteur for Media Freedom...
Cybercrime and freedom of expression: discussion paper
In recent years, most countries around the world have undertaken legislative reforms on cybercrime and electronic evidence. In a number of countries, such legislation on cybercrime includes provisions on criminalising the “dissemination of false information”, “offensive messages”, “causing...
2 November: International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
Journalists play a vital role in safeguarding a democratic and pluralistic society. Recognised by the European Court of Human Rights as “public watchdogs”, they have a right and a duty to impart information and ideas of public interest within the framework of Article 10 of the European Convention...
The Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists presented in Brussels
The Media and Internet Governance of the Information Society Department of the Council of Europe was represented by Ms Rodica Ciochina at the final conference Safety4Journalists, organised by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. During the...