Journalist harassment, monitoring, assaults, and detentions across Europe are rising, threatening media freedom. On Tuesday, the Council of Europe issued its annual report, “Press Freedom in Europe: Time to Turn the Tide,” which highlights press freedom issues in its 46 member states.
The number of journalists slain in Europe in 2023 was somewhat lower than the year before, but threats have gotten more diversified, making reporting more difficult. Belarus and Russia are highlighted in the study for unlawful monitoring, aggressive litigation, and detentions of journalists. Even in Western countries, problems exist.
The study lists intimidation, incarceration, restricted legislation, abusive litigation, and public service media assaults as serious dangers. Russia was responsible for 15% of the 285 significant media freedom threats and attacks on the continent. Even expatriate Kremlin critics are harassed.
Journalism was threatened by Russia’s 2023 invasion of Ukraine, which killed and injured several journalists. Journalists reporting the drug trade endure mafia-like violence, according to the research.
In Russia and Belarus, journalists who criticize their authorities are often detained. By 2023, 59 journalists were imprisoned in Europe, 65 of them in Russia and Belarus.
The study also highlights impunity, citing 30 unsolved deaths of 49 journalists and media professionals. The lack of prosecution for journalistic crimes notwithstanding open cases shows a culture of impunity.
Following these worrying findings, the Council of Europe urges immediate action to protect journalistic freedom across the area.
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