Alongside the two accompanying protocols, underscores Croatia's commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of journalists and other media employees. Aligned with the Recommendation of the European Commission on guaranteeing the protection, safety, and strengthening of the position of journalists and media employees in the EU, this agreement serves as a vital mechanism for upholding journalist safety as a fundamental prerequisite for the realization of freedom of expression. The Agreement on Cooperation establishes a framework for collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and media associations, with a focus on safeguarding journalists during their professional activities. Complementing this agreement are two protocols aimed at enhancing safety measures for journalists:
- The Protocol on Actions of the Police and Media Workers at Public Gatherings of Public Interest: This protocol outlines specific procedures and responsibilities for both media workers and law enforcement personnel to ensure a safe environment during media coverage of public gatherings.
- The Protocol on Actions of the Police upon Learning about Criminal Offenses against Journalists and Media Workers: This protocol delineates procedures for law enforcement authorities upon receiving reports of criminal offenses committed against journalists and media workers, aiming to expedite investigations and ensure prompt actions by the police. These accompanying protocols provide detailed guidelines for the behavior and actions of both media workers and police officers in critical situations, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective criminal investigations and the protection of media professionals. Furthermore, concrete steps have been taken to implement these protocols, including constructive meetings between the Croatian Journalists' Association, journalist associations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and publishers, with the participation of the Ministry of Culture and Media. Additionally, mechanisms for monitoring incidents have been established, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs collecting data and reporting it to journalist associations and the Ministry of Culture and Media. In 2023, the police recorded 12 events in which journalists were harmed by criminal acts of threats, with 7 cases resolved and reports submitted to the state attorney's office, while the remaining 5 are still under criminal investigation.
More information on the Agreement on Cooperation and its implementation
