Freedom of Expression and Protection of Journalistic Sources - Reports

A new extensive report on the Protection of Journalistic Sources drafted by the International Legal Research Group and published by the Council of Europe and ELSA

Freedom of expression and defamation (2016) - Reports

The Council of Europe has published a new study of the case law of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the special relation between freedom of expression and defamation

ECtHR: Conviction of journalists for an interview using a hidden camera infringed their freedom of expression - Legal Resources

After a lengthy legal fight, Swiss journalists obtained a positive ruling from the European Court of Human Rights, determining that their conviction for using a hidden camera in the case of insurance broker malpractice violated their rights

Ten obstacles to accessing company register data using the right of information - Reports

The report identifies a total of 10 obstacles to accessing company register data

Court rules online news sites are not liable for offensive readers’ comments - Legal Resources

In the MTE case, the ECHR tested the principles set forth in the controversial Grand Chamber’s Delfi case concerning the notion of liability of news portals for readers' comment

Russian surveillance law - Legal Resources

In a case related to alleged mobile phone surveillance, the European Court of Human Rights decided that an editor in Russia was entitled to claim to be a victim of a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Anti-terrorist surveillance law - Legal Resources

After a case filed by a non-governmental watchdog organisation, the European Court of Human Rights has decided that the Hungarian anti-terrorist surveillance law violates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)

Observatory of Media Freedom (Poland) - Support Centres

'The Observatory of Media Freedom in Poland' is a legal program founded by the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR) in 2008 and operates in Poland. Its focus is on the protection related to freedom of expression in traditional media as well as on the Internet. 

The program provides legal aid concerning inter alia issues such as criminal defamation, press law offences, protection of journalistic sources of information, the liability of the Internet service providers etc. During court proceedings, the ‘Observatory’ can as well arrange pro bono legal assistance for journalists who cannot afford to pay for regular legal aid.

Journalism is not terrorism - Legal Resources

Despite ruling that the UK's Terrorism Act is incompatible with human rights and more protection is needed for journalists, Britain's Court of Appeal also ruled authorities were justified in detaining a reporter and confiscating his equipment at Heathrow Airport

E-learning on Defamation Law and European Human Rights Standards - Training

A video e-learning series by IPI and MLDI for lawyers and journalists on European legal standards related to freedom of expression and the protection of reputation