In its 2024 annual report on press freedom, the Council of Europe expresses its serious concern about the use of spyware. He believes that it threatens the safety of journalists.
“ Press freedom in Europe: it is time to reverse the trend “. The words chosen by the Council of Europe are strong to title the report of the platform for the safety of journalists. Among the concerns of the international organization, the illegal use of spyware comes first. But she is also worried about abusive legal proceedings and the precariousness in exile from which journalists can suffer, particularly those from Russia or Belarus.
Journalists spied on, a priority concern of the Council of Europe
In 2023, despite a slight drop in the number of journalists murdered, the report highlights an increasing diversification, and therefore not really reassuring, of the threats, pressures and constraints reported. Partner organizations of the Council of Europe platform published 285 alerts last year, corresponding to these reports of threats or attacks on media freedom on the Old Continent.
Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić calls for determined action by States to counter threats to media freedom. Excessive prosecutions and illegal surveillance are particularly highlighted in the report. They justify the need for firm commitments from Member States to media freedom standards.
The report also – and above all – warns against the persistent use of spying technologies, which endanger the digital security of journalists under surveillance. The use of this method is unfortunately increasing. Many still remember the trauma of Pegasus, the Israeli spyware. Accountability for reported abuses remains unsatisfactory in the eyes of the Council today.
From the detention of journalists in Russia to abusive legal proceedings, journalists more exposed than ever
Another trend worries the Council of Europe: the unprecedented number of media professionals in exile, particularly from Russia and Belarus. Physical risks and legal proceedings force them to leave their country, which creates a weakened and vulnerable media diaspora.
Obstacles to media freedom due to abusive legal proceedings are a concern for the international organization. Among them, we can cite the famous SLAPP suits, behind which we find abusive trials, appropriation of the media and attacks against the media by political figures. Legal actions taken by politicians who seek to harass journalists are in the sights of the Council, as they expose them to criminal sanctions, fines and high damages.
Finally, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine continues to have major consequences in the media. Journalists have been killed and injured. The detention of journalists (59, as of December 31, 2023) in Europe and the territories occupied by Russia highlights the scale of the challenges facing the media. In Russia and Belarus, two countries which are not part of the Council, 65 journalists are still detained.
Source : Council of Europe
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