Journalism and Covid-19: Press freedom is essential in times of crisis

Strasbourg/03.05.21/Turan: In a joint statement to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, and the Federal Minister of Justice and Consumer Protection of Germany, Christine Lambrecht, representing the German Presidency of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers, have expressed their concern about attacks on journalists and limitations to press freedom in many parts of Europe. 

"The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights to which all 47 Council of Europe member states – including the 27 members of the European Union – have committed themselves.

In a democracy, journalists play a vital role in uncovering the truth and holding those in power to account. Their job is to ensure that citizens receive timely, accurate and reliable information, which has become even more important in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The media should be free to scrutinise and criticise the response of the public authorities to the crisis. However, as a new report by civil society organisations working with the Council of Europe confirms, many journalists are in fact facing increasing obstructions to fulfilling this important role during the pandemic. 

Unfortunately, we have also witnessed an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists covering public demonstrations. This is unacceptable. It is more important than ever for journalists to be able to report freely and safely.

Promoting freedom of expression across Europe is a key aim of the Council of Europe, of which Germany currently holds the Presidency. As Europe gradually emerges from the pandemic, all governments must work to make our joint commitment to freedom of expression even stronger and crisis-proof in future", - reads the statement.

Reporting restrictions in Azerbaijan

Widespread social media restrictions were imposed in Azerbaijan during the war in Karabakh. Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media were repeatedly blocked during this period by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Technology.

Several foreign journalists were blocked from entering the country. Some who received accreditation said they were not able to move freely, including France 24 special correspondent Katherine Norris-Trent.

 Reporters who entered Nagorno-Karabakh faced blacklisting by Azerbaijani authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs even called on journalists not to cover the conflict. Officials said Baku bore no responsibility for the safety of journalists who entered Nagorno-Karabakh without permission.

Recommendations

Azerbaijan and Armenia must uphold their obligations under international law regarding civilians. Attacks on journalists constitute war crimes. States engaged in armed conflict must instruct their military and police forces to give necessary and reasonable assistance to journalists when requested. They should remove administrative barriers and facilitate the access of journalists, including visa facilitation and their equipment to the territory concerned by providing the necessary documentation and permissions. They should refrain from taking any restrictive measures against journalists, such as denial, withdrawal of accreditation or expulsion, on account of their exercise of their duties or the content of their reports. States should apply these provisions in a non-discriminatory, non-arbitrary manner in their dealings with journalists, whether foreign or local. -02D-