Module 10: Violence Against Journalists
Modules on Litigating Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights in South and Southeast Asia
- Violence against journalists, especially in retaliation for their work, poses a serious threat to freedom of expression, whether it takes the form of physical or online attacks.
- States, in addition to avoiding ensuring that State actors do not engage in attacks, have a responsibility to take due diligence to prevent violence, protect journalists and investigate, prosecute and redress any attacks that are perpetrated.
- Protection of confidential journalistic sources is also important to protecting journalists and ensuring freedom of expression more generally.
- States must incorporate gender-sensitive approaches when responding to violence against journalists, given the prevalence of gender-based violence against female journalists.
- Practical steps may include developing a national plan of action or a specialised safety mechanism to address violence against journalists.