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

Journalism at risk. Threats, challenges and perspectives - Books

Journalism at Risk is a new book from the Council of Europe, in which ten experts from different backgrounds examine the role of journalism in democratic societies; - available as hard copy or e-book

Council of Europe - Stakeholders

The Council of Europe (CoE) is Europe's leading human rights organization seated in Strasbourg (France). The Convention on Human Rights, signed by all 47 CoE member states, is an international treaty designed to ensure the protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The European Court of Human Rights, a CoE organ, ensures the implementation of the treaty. The CoE work is organized through committees working on more specific topics within the vast field of Human rights, while the commissioner for Human Rights is an impartial institution established by the Council of Europe in 1999.

The Committee of experts on protection of journalism and safety of journalists (MSI-JO) is an inter-governmental committee operating within the Council of Europe. The MSI-JO mandate is to work on the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists and other media actors, taking account of the implementation of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists. official website

 The Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media focuses on issues relating to culture, science, education, youth, sport and media in Europe. It has tree sub-commitees among which the Sub-Committee on Media and Information Society. official website

The Commissioner for Human Rights is an impartial and non-judicial institution established by the Council of Europe in order to to promote awareness of and respect for human rights in the 47 member states. His/Her main activities include country visits, conducting studies and giving advice on systematic human rights work, as well as rising awareness of topics related to human rights. official website