European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Free press groups and journalists call on the police to ensure that threats to the press from terrorist groups are investigated fully and on policy-makers in Stormont and Westminster to commit to protecting journalists and media workers in Northern Ireland.

Scandinavia always leads the press freedom rankings in Europe. Check out the region’s six best practises which can serve as an inspiration to restore and improve the media freedom environment in Europe once the pandemic is over.

“Our organisations are acutely aware of the dangers of disinformation and how it is used by unscrupulous groups to spread panic and division. However, this does not justify draconian powers that risk being used against journalists whose work is indispensable in protecting public health and ensuring accountability”.

Angelov is currently in hospital recovering from stab wounds, a broken leg, and facial bruising. The Interior Ministry chief secretary has informed media that the assault was related to the journalist’s investigative work.

EFJ and IFJ call on media to report responsibly, avoid creating any unjustified panic or sharing discriminatory and racist comments, counter disinformation about the disease and give the floor to experts who are qualified to comment on such sensitive issues.

Thematic focal points of the mechanism are online harassment, especially against female journalists, legal threats like SLAPP (Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation) lawsuits, and the fight against impunity.

The Journalists’ Union of Turkey was targeted after its show of public support for journalists whose press cards were cancelled. The union previously worked with the International Federation of Journalists and the European Federation of Journalists on the #JournalismIsNotACrime campaign.

Most of the journalists who had their cards revoked (without explanation) work for independent media or those critical of the government. Without press cards, journalists have often been prevented from doing their work, such as attending some court hearings.