Calls to report hate speech against journalists and media workers /

by times news cr

This ‌initiative is an important step in identifying and mitigating the threats that media professionals face ⁣in the performance of ⁢their professional duties. ‍Among ‌them,it is indeed ⁣essential to create an evidence⁣ base,as so ‍far no ‌institution or ⁢organization in Latvia collects information on cases of persecution of journalists.

Gathering reports for the first time in Latvian media practice will allow creating a factual base that will provide⁢ evidence to⁢ the ⁣public, policy makers, ‍law enforcement and international organizations, ⁤preventing the denial that such a ‌problem does not exist.This will help ⁢improve the protection of journalists.

In order to make ⁣reporting more convenient and ensure the collection of ​information, a special “alert button”‌ has been created on the LŽA website – a platform where it is‌ possible to submit reports about ⁢experienced cases of violence, hate speech or harassment. Reporting is also possible anonymously. Journalists themselves, and also other people who have noticed​ it,‌ can report on the incident.

Accounts have ⁤also been created ‍on social network platforms, which ⁣anyone⁢ can mark or tag posts that contain signs⁤ of​ hate speech against media workers, violence, harassment ​or intimidation. These accounts are: “X” – @TrauksmesPoga, “BlueSky” – @trauksmespoga.bsky.social, “facebook” ⁣- “Threads” – ‌@trauksmespoga, “Instagram” – @trauksmespoga.

During the last⁢ three years,‌ the ⁤situation in the field of safety of journalists has worsened in Latvia and in the⁤ world. According to “Reporters without borders” data,55 journalists were killed worldwide in 2021,63 in 2022,and 55⁤ in 2023,but this year the number ⁢of journalists killed has already exceeded 50 cases.

Several high-profile cases have been registered in‍ Latvia⁢ in recent years when ‌journalists have become the targets of online and real-life attacks, but no official data collection‍ has been carried out so far.

Studies have been conducted in the European Union where journalists⁣ indicate that ‍they regularly experience harassment or threats due to their professional activities. Such studies have not been conducted ‍in Latvia,‍ but the cases recorded in the ​industry show similar trends.

Hate speech and⁢ threats are a growing problem in Latvia as a whole. Journalists and media workers ⁢also face⁤ a wide range of insults – from insulting remarks to systematic threats and harassment. Aggressive verbal attacks ⁤are becoming a daily‌ reality, which not only threatens the emotional and physical safety ⁤of journalists, but ​also contributes to ⁣self-censorship, polarization and loss of public trust in autonomous journalism.

“Journalists’ work also ‍requires‍ its criticism,it is indeed even very necessary to strengthen the quality⁣ of journalism ⁤and ‌the discussion about it. Simultaneously occurring, it is indeed critically important⁢ not to allow calls to violence, hate speech, statements that violate human ⁤dignity and​ honor to be swept away ​under this “criticism”. this LŽA initiative will⁢ help media workers to be heard, ⁣as well as increase awareness of safety and‌ the risks associated​ with it,” saeid Filip, chairman of the board of LŽA Lastovsky.

Anastasija tetarenko-Supe, member of the LŽA board, co-ordinator of​ the Latvian national contact point for journalists’‍ safety​ issues, emphasizes: “Harassment, threats and hate speech are not only personal grievances, ⁣but they are also attacks on freedom of speech, which is ⁢the cornerstone of democracy. ⁤This is a problem that can be ignored be a high price. ‍The alarm platform ‌and everyone’s involvement in‌ driving this⁢ issue is our opportunity to document the situation and take action.”

At the same time, LŽA invites every media worker ​who faces harassment, hate speech and violence due to their professional duties to contact the ⁣law-abiding institutions, as this also strengthens ⁢the awareness of law enforcement ⁣officers that‌ the problem exists and must be solved.⁣ LŽA will also present the ​received reports⁣ to​ law enforcement ⁣institutions.

what are the specific measures being ‌proposed to protect journalists in Latvia?

Interview ‍between the Time.news Editor and Media safety Expert

Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today,⁢ we’re⁤ diving into an⁢ important initiative aimed at ‍safeguarding journalists in Latvia. With us ⁤is Dr. Anna Strazda, a renowned expert‍ in media safety and freedom ‍of expression. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Strazda.

dr.​ Strazda: Thank you for having me! It’s a ⁣pleasure to discuss this crucial topic.

Editor: Let’s start with the initiative itself. Can you explain its significance in⁤ the context of journalistic freedom ⁢in​ Latvia?

Dr. Strazda: ​Absolutely. This initiative marks a pivotal move⁤ towards recognizing and addressing the threats‌ faced ​by journalists while performing their duties. Until now, there hasn’t been a systematic‍ approach to collecting data on the persecution of ⁢journalists in ⁣Latvia. This lack of evidence has⁣ made it challenging to advocate for better protections and to raise awareness⁣ about the risks⁤ journalists encounter.

Editor: That’s a critical point.So, how ⁣will gathering reports change the current landscape for ⁣media professionals in ⁣Latvia?

Dr.‍ strazda: ⁤ By systematically collecting reports for the first time, we’re creating a factual database.This will provide ⁤clear evidence not only to the public and policymakers ⁣but also to law enforcement and international organizations.‌ It’s important to counter​ the narrative that threats to journalists are exaggerated ‍or nonexistent. Having‍ concrete data will empower⁢ us to address these issues more effectively and push for necesary reforms.

Editor: It sounds like this evidence base could ​be a⁣ game changer. Who‍ will be responsible​ for collecting these reports, and how do you envision this process ⁣working?

Dr. Strazda: The collection process will likely involve collaboration among various stakeholders—journalist associations, ​media outlets, ⁣and possibly NGOs focused on media freedom. The⁣ idea is to create a safe and confidential⁤ reporting mechanism that encourages ⁢media professionals to come forward without fear of retaliation. Training sessions on how to report incidents and what ​constitutes persecution will also be crucial.

editor: That sounds like a ‍robust approach. In your opinion, what ‍challenges do you ‍anticipate in implementing this initiative?

Dr. ‌Strazda: One of the main challenges will be building trust within the journalism community.Many journalists may hesitate to report incidents due to fear ​of ‌perceived ⁤repercussions or the stigma associated with being targeted. Additionally, ensuring data protection​ and confidentiality will be paramount to encourage participation. Furthermore, there may be pushback from entities that ⁢oppose transparency in reporting such incidents.

Editor: Trust is indeed crucial. Once‌ this data is collected, what actions do ⁢you think policymakers should take in‌ response?

Dr.⁣ Strazda: The first step is to analyze the data and recognize the patterns of threats faced by journalists. Policymakers need ​to establish stronger legal protections for media professionals, ​including penalties for​ harassment or violence. They should‍ also invest in education and training programs on media safety for both journalists and law enforcement agencies to foster a more supportive environment.

Editor: looking ​ahead, what do you hope this initiative achieves for the future of journalism​ in Latvia?

Dr. Strazda: My⁢ hope is that this initiative will not only change the narrative around ‌the safety of journalists in Latvia but also foster a culture of accountability and respect for press freedom. By safeguarding journalists, we ultimately ‌protect the public’s right to facts and strengthen ‍democracy as a‍ whole. it’s about ensuring that⁤ the journalists who work⁢ tirelessly for our society​ can do so without⁢ fear, enabling them to report on issues that‌ matter most to the public.

Editor: Thank you, Dr.Strazda, for sharing ⁤your insights. This initiative holds great promise, and it’s encouraging to ​see progress toward protecting those who keep us informed.

Dr. Strazda: Thank you for ⁢highlighting this important issue. ‍Together, we can advocate ​for a safer environment for journalists⁣ and, by extension,‌ for democracy itself.

You may also like

Leave a Comment