Birmingham and Coventry National Union of Journalists

Personal security of journalists in Europe has become a serious concern

Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, has today Wednesday 13th April 2011, published his annual report on Human Rights

The personal security of journalists has become a serious concern. The politicised penalisation of the journalist Eynullah Fatullayev in Azerbaijan is one illustration. In the Russian Federation several journalists have been assaulted, some of them killed, by forces which have obviously wanted to silence them. It is crucial that such cases are thoroughly investigated and that the attackers - and those behind them - are brought to justice.

2.6 Freedom of expression and the media

The promotion and protection of freedom of expression and freedom of the media has been part of the Commissioner's work since he took up office. During country visits and continuous dialogue with national authorities, media professionals and civil society, the Commissioner gathers information, identifies shortcomings and provides advice on ways to ensure the enjoyment of freedom of expression and of the media.

Full text of the report can be found here . . . .