The state of media freedom in Europe

 

The EU-Parliamentary Assembly stresses that freedom of expression and information constitutes a cornerstone of good governance and thriving democracy, as well as a fundamental obligation of each member State under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ETS No. 5, “the Convention”). Member States have, in particular, a positive obligation under Articles 2 and 10 of the Convention to protect journalists against attacks on their lives and freedom of expression, and prevent impunity of the perpetrators. 2. The Assembly condemns the numerous attacks against investigative journalists as well as threats against people working with investigative media, such as Sergei Magnitsky who was tortured and murdered in a Russian prison in 2009. The Assembly calls on the competent authorities to properly investigate such cases in order to bring to justice those who instigate them. (see Doc. 13078, report of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media, rapporteur: Mr Johansson)