Publication date: 05.07.2024
active and purposeful military lawyer with more than 4 years of experience
Protection of the legitimate professional activity of a journalist is an urgent problem of our time
In the conditions of globalization and rapid development of information technologies, the role of journalism and freedom of speech as important democratic institutions is growing every year. However, unfortunately, we are increasingly witnessing violations of journalists' rights and obstruction of their legitimate professional activities. This problem is relevant both for developed democratic countries and for developing countries, and it needs an urgent solution.
According to a study by the International Federation of Journalists, in 2023 there were more than 700 cases of violations of the rights of journalists worldwide. Physical attacks, detention, arrests, censorship, cybercrimes, threats and intimidation are among the most common forms of obstruction to the legitimate professional activity of journalists. Investigative journalists covering sensitive social and political topics, as well as journalists working in armed conflict zones, are particularly vulnerable.The situation in countries where democratic institutions are unstable or are only at the stage of formation is extremely worrying. There, journalists are often persecuted for criticizing the government, covering corruption schemes, or investigating abuses by officials. For example, in 2023, more than 50 cases of arrests and detentions of journalists were recorded in Bangladesh, and 80 cases of physical attacks on media representatives were recorded in Russia.
However, even in highly developed democratic countries, journalists also face obstacles in their work. Thus, in 2023, more than 200 cases of journalists' arrests during the coverage of mass protests were registered in the USA, and in Germany - 40 cases of physical violence against media representatives.One of the key factors contributing to hindering the legal professional activity of journalists is the imperfection of legislation and its inefficient application. In many countries, the legislation regulating mass media activities is outdated and does not meet modern challenges. In addition, law enforcement agencies often ignore or respond inappropriately to violations of journalists' right
An important problem is also the growing number of cybercrimes directed against journalists. Hacking attacks, leaks of confidential information, online threats and intimidation create serious obstacles to the safe and effective work of media workers. Investigative journalists working to expose corruption and abuses are particularly vulnerable.
To solve this problem, a comprehensive approach is needed, which will include improving the legislation, increasing the effectiveness of its application, strengthening the protection of journalists from physical and cyber attacks, as well as increasing the level of security of the media environment in general.
First of all, it is necessary to bring national legislation into line with international standards of freedom of speech and protection of journalists' rights. This involves clearly defining the journalist's legal status, guaranteeing his rights and freedoms, and establishing strict penalties for their violation.
It is also important to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of those guilty of obstructing the legitimate professional activities of journalists. Law enforcement agencies should promptly respond to such cases and conduct impartial investigations.
In addition, it is necessary to strengthen measures for the cyber security of journalists, in particular by introducing modern data protection technologies, training media workers in cyber hygiene methods, as well as providing them with advisory and technical assistance.
Equally important is the support of media independence and journalistic solidarity.Media organizations should join forces to ensure the safety of their employees, and civil society institutions should monitor violations of journalists' rights and advocate their interests.
Only a comprehensive approach, combining the improvement of legislation, effective law enforcement, strengthening of technical protection and cohesion of the media community, will be able to ensure reliable protection of the legitimate professional activity of journalists in the modern world.
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