Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, emphasized the importance of protecting journalists in the upcoming 2024 elections in a statement released on World Press Freedom Day. Highlighting the crucial role that journalists and quality media play in providing access to reliable information and diverse opinions, Burić stressed that these are essential for citizens to make informed choices in a democratic society.
Journalists serve as a pillar of democracy, and their freedom is interconnected with the freedom of all individuals. However, without a free and independent media, democracy is at risk of deteriorating. Burić noted that there are several threats to media freedom in Europe including the use of spyware, abusive lawsuits, physical attacks, intimidation, restrictive legislation, media capture, and assaults on public service media.
To address these challenges, Burić urged Council of Europe member states to implement the Committee of Ministers Recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists. She also highlighted the importance of developing national action plans as part of the Council of Europe Campaign “Journalists Matter.” Some member states have already begun to take steps towards implementing this initiative.
Burić specifically called for action against abusive lawsuits that aim to silence journalists and hinder public debate. Member states were encouraged to adopt legislative frameworks that promote safe participation in public affairs without fear. She emphasized the importance of implementing the Committee of Ministers Recommendation on the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) as a priority.
In conclusion, protecting journalists is crucial for maintaining democracy and ensuring citizens can make informed choices during elections. The threats facing journalists in Europe must be addressed by implementing effective legal frameworks that protect their rights and ensure they can work safely without fear or intimidation.