Part VIII. Key issues and recommendations for the safety of journalists
in line with the expert interpretation of international law on freedom of expression given by the UN Human Rights Committee (General Comment 34 on Article 19 of the ICCPR). The law recognises that the right to freedom of expression includes expressions of views and opinions that offend, shock and disturb. The law does not give the State arbitrary or extraordinary powers to censor any media or close a media outlet. The universal right of freedom of expression applies to materials on the Internet in the same way as to traditional media. Freedom of expression and the free flow of information are guaranteed regardless of frontiers.
Judicial, law-enforcement and penal systems Issue: The judiciary must be independent of governmental authority and of any political influence Good practice: Police forces, other law-enforcement agencies and prison services are subject to independent systems of oversight, with transparent internal discipline and public complaint procedures. Investigations of serious crimes against journalists are conducted promptly, independently and efficiently; the authorities take proper care to investigate and take due account of any evidence of a link with the journalist’s professional activities. Limitations on court reporting are applied only in exceptional circumstances, for example to protect minors.
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