IFJ and EFJ join media coalition urging European Union to protect journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 06, 2018

BRUSSELS  - The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) have joined a global call for the EU to take action to protect journalists and end impunity within Europe.

The IFJ and EFJ cosigned a letter with 15 media freedom organizations addressed to the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, calling for EU action to protect journalists in Europe following the recent killings of Slovak and Maltese reporters Jan Kuciak and Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The killings of the journalists, who had reported on corruption, organized crime and the abuse of power in their respective countries, are “unacceptable,” says the letter.

Despite welcoming the EU’s moves to condemn the killings the group demanded that words are followed by action.

“Safety of journalists is a precondition for good journalism that serves the societies and audiences. Our European democracies cannot thrive when journalists are silenced and cannot inform people about important developments and hold power holders to account,” reads the letter.

The coalition has urged high-level officials from the European Commission to retain regular communication with senior police authorities in Slovakia and Malta to ensure that police investigation is full, thorough and independent as a measure to fight the high rates of impunity in a world where a journalist is killed every five days with almost full impunity.

It has also called on the European Commission to work with Member States to begin the process of establishing national protection mechanisms for journalists in Europe and to implement their existing commitments to provide a safe environment for journalists, flowing from numerous adopted United Nations resolutions on the matter as well as the Council of Europe recommendations on the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists.

Article 19, Committee to Protect Journalists, European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, The European Journalism Centre, Rory Peck Trust, Transparency International EU, Index for Censorship, the International Press Institute, IFEX and Global Forum for Media Development, among others, have also cosigned the letter. -

IFJ media release/Photo: People hold a banner reading "Attacking a journalist = attacking all of us" at the Freedom Square during a silent protest march to pay tribute to murdered Slovak journalist Jan Kuciak and his girlfriend Martina Kusnirova on March 2, 2018, in Bratislava, Slovakia. - ALEX HALADA/AFP

Sports reporting: The perks and pressures of covering international events

 September 20, 2024:  Explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of covering international sports events. From managing cultural differences to meeting tight deadlines, this feature dives into the realities of being a sports journalist on the world stage.

A blow to Balochistan as Dawn closes Quetta office

 September 17, 2024:  Dawn newspaper has permanently closed its Quetta office, marking a critical blow to journalism in Balochistan. The closure follows the earlier shutdown of DawnNews TV’s regional bureau, raising concerns about press freedom and independent reporting in the region.

Inside Pakistan's controversial ban on X: A broken system or strategic censorship?

 September 17, 2024:  Explore the contradictions of Pakistan's ban on X (formerly Twitter). While the public resorts to VPNs, government officials continue using the platform to air their views. What does this say about free speech and the rule of law?

Ban on X: Sindh High Court hints at summoning PTA chairman for contempt

 September 16, 2024:  The Sindh High Court criticizes PTA’s conflicting stance on the ban of X, formerly known as Twitter, and suggests summoning the PTA chairman for contempt of court proceedings. Hearing adjourned until September 24.

Shutdowns, threats, and murder: The high cost of ARY News’ bold reporting

 September 16, 2024:  ARY News has faced severe repercussions for its fearless journalism in Pakistan, including shutdowns, threats, and the tragic murder of Arshad Sharif. Explore the high cost of bold reporting and the challenges faced by ARY's reporters in their quest for truth

Over 80% of Pakistan's internet users faced slowdowns in August: Gallup Survey

 September 14, 2024:  A recent Gallup survey reveals that over 80% of internet users in Pakistan experienced slowdowns in August 2024, with significant impacts on freelancers and the economy, potentially costing $300 million.

Gharidah Farooqi responds boldly to CM Gandapur's accusations

 September 14, 2024:  Journalist Gharidah Farooqi has challenged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to prove his allegations after he publicly accused her of accepting bribes to push political narratives. Farooqi’s bold response on Twitter adds fuel to the ongoing media versus politicians conflict in Pakistan.

'Gharidah Farooqi, it’s you!': Gandapur names and shames TV anchor

 September 14, 2024:  Ali Amin Gandapur's attack on journalists escalates as he names Gharidah Farooqi, prompting further outrage from the media. Are journalists being biased, or is this part of a larger political issue?