A mission to inform : journalists at risk speak out

Abstract

The freedom of the media to report without censorship or fear of reprisals is a pre-condition of democracy. Violence and harassment against journalists – often leading to the suppression of information and self-censorship – have become commonplace in many parts of Europe. This book is a unique exploration of the intimidation of journalists across Council of Europe member states and it provides an invaluable resource to everyone concerned with the protection of journalists, including government authorities and media practitioners. The book is based on in-depth interviews with 20 journalists from 18 different countries. The journalists were selected for their experience and skill in reporting in the public interest and exposing injustice and abuses. Each of these journalists shared their insights into the realities of doing cutting-edge journalism to bring the truth to light; they spoke about their first-hand experience of threats, hostility and intimidation, surveillance and cyberattacks, and about self-censorship, resilience and coping strategies, as well as about what they portray as routine failures by state authorities to give journalists the protection they need to fulfil their public watchdog role. [Excerpt from the Executive summary]