Map recording threats to journalists in Europe relaunches and expands to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus
Index on Censorship, the European Federation of
Journalists and Reporters Without Borders are delighted to announce the
expansion and redesign of Mapping Media Freedom, which records threats to journalists across Europe, and which will now also cover Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Journalists and Reporters Without Borders are delighted to announce the
expansion and redesign of Mapping Media Freedom, which records threats to journalists across Europe, and which will now also cover Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
First launched in May 2014, the map documents media
freedom violations throughout the European Union and neighbouring
countries including the Balkans and Turkey.
freedom violations throughout the European Union and neighbouring
countries including the Balkans and Turkey.
More than 700 reports were logged on the map in its
first year, lifting the lid on the everyday threats to media freedom
that have previously gone largely unreported or undocumented.
first year, lifting the lid on the everyday threats to media freedom
that have previously gone largely unreported or undocumented.
“Mapping Media Freedom has highlighted the kinds of
threats faced by media organisations and their staff everyday throughout
Europe — from low-level intimidation to threats of violence,
imprisonment, and even murder. Having a detailed database of these
incidents – most of which previously went unreported — helps us and
others to take action against the culprits,” said Index on Censorship CEO Jodie Ginsberg.
threats faced by media organisations and their staff everyday throughout
Europe — from low-level intimidation to threats of violence,
imprisonment, and even murder. Having a detailed database of these
incidents – most of which previously went unreported — helps us and
others to take action against the culprits,” said Index on Censorship CEO Jodie Ginsberg.
The relaunched online platform will make it easier for
policy makers and activists to identify trends in media freedom and to
respond efficiently with immediate assistance or to campaign on specific
issues. It also provides support such as legal advice and digital
security training to journalists at risk. Anyone can submit their own
reports to the site for verification by project officers.
policy makers and activists to identify trends in media freedom and to
respond efficiently with immediate assistance or to campaign on specific
issues. It also provides support such as legal advice and digital
security training to journalists at risk. Anyone can submit their own
reports to the site for verification by project officers.
“At a time when freedom of information is facing
threats not seen since the times of the Soviet Union, supporting
journalists and bloggers is crucial. While part of the continent is
sinking in an authoritarian drift, online surveillance has become a
common challenge”, said RSF Programme Director Lucie Morillon.
threats not seen since the times of the Soviet Union, supporting
journalists and bloggers is crucial. While part of the continent is
sinking in an authoritarian drift, online surveillance has become a
common challenge”, said RSF Programme Director Lucie Morillon.
