Motion for a resolution | Doc. 13780 | 04 May 2015
Attacks against journalists and media freedom in Europe
The terrorist attacks on the French magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on 7 January 2015 and more than 30 murdered journalists during the last two years have shown to the world the potential dangers under which journalists are working in Europe. There are people in Europe, including political forces in society, who target media and the information and opinions they transmit.
A democratic society based on human rights and democracy requires, however, lively and diverse media working in safety and fearless conditions. Therefore, the Council of Europe should draw attention to all attacks against journalists and media freedom in Europe, be they physical attacks or of a legal nature, and assist member States in effectively protecting freedom of expression and information through the media.
Welcoming the establishment of the Internet-based Freedom of Expression Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists by the Council of Europe in 2015, a parliamentary dimension and co-operation should be ensured by the Parliamentary Assembly. For this purpose, the Assembly should pursue inter-parliamentary co-operation and continue the assistance in promoting media freedom and safety of journalists, submitting regular reports, following the report on the protection of the safety of journalists and of media freedom in Europe and Recommendation 2062 (2015) and Resolution 2035 (2015) on this issue.