Why strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) in Ukraine cause certain concerns among journalists and media lawyers and how they relate to the issues of safety of journalists – such debatable questions were raised amongst others during a three-day "Post/Surveillance: Investigative Journalism in the Conditions of a 'Long' War" conference, held on 12-14 September in Kyiv.

Ukrainian and foreign journalists, media experts, lecturers, representatives from donor organisations shared their experiences, professional, personal risks, and challenges they have during a Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.

The conference featured a keynote speech by Mr Erlend Falch, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, who reaffirmed the Council’s long-standing commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He emphasised the importance of investigative journalism in holding power to account, particularly in times of conflict. Mr Falch highlighted the Council’s ongoing co-operation with Ukraine, noting that projects like SFEM-UA are vital in supporting media professionals in the country. He also spoke about the dangers faced by investigative journalists worldwide, referencing the tragic murder of Ukrainian journalist Georgiy Gongadze. Mr Falch underscored initiatives such as the CoE Safety of Journalists Platform and the five-year Council of Europe Campaign for the Safety of Journalists “Journalists matter”, both aimed at protecting media professionals facing threats, intimidation, and violence.

 Ms Flutura Kusari, Council of Europe consultant, Senior Legal Advisor at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom took part in the panel discussion “Pressure on Investigative Journalists during the Full-Scale Invasion - new forms of an old problem?”.  While Ukrainian journalists shared their experience of different types of pressure they face, Ms Kusari briefly introduced new anti-SLAPP standards provided by the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2024)2,  Directive (EU) 2024/1069 and PACE Resolution 2531 (2024). She highlighted the vital role these standards play in safeguarding freedom of expression and freedom of media, while also noting the legal support should be available to media professionals.

This was the 16th All-Ukrainian annual cconference of investigative journalists, organised by the Regional Press Development Institute and co-financed by the Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine” (SFEM-UA). The event gathered 448 participants: 201 attended offlile and 238 joined online.

The Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine” (SFEM-UA) continues it’s work on anti-SLAPPs measures and the implementation of “Journalists Matter” campaign in Ukraine

The Council of Europe Project “Safeguarding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Media in Ukraine” (SFEM-UA) is implemented by the Council of Europe  Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression in the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023-2026.

Теги: ІРРП, UIJC-2024, Flutura Kusari