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Training course for prosecutors on 'Investigating and Prosecuting Crimes against Journalists and the Protection of Freedom of Expression'
UNESCO in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka and Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions organized a three-day training course for Prosecutors on Investigating and Prosecuting Crimes against Journalists and the Protection of Freedom of Expression from 2 to 4 November 2023 in Bengaluru. This training was organized as part of the events commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, which is organized every year on 2 November.
The training was inaugurated by Dr. M.A. Saleem, IPS, Director-General of Police, CID, Bengaluru, Shri Ravi S. IPS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Home Department, Shri H.K. Jagdeesh, Director of Public Prosecution, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru and Shri Channe Gouda, Editor-in-Chief, Vijayavani Daily, Bengaluru.
The initiative was aimed at engaging and empowering prosecutors and journalists on issues related to Freedom of Expression, and Access to Information. The training engaged the prosecutors and journalists in a dialogue based on principles related to international standards on freedom of expression, access to information and safety of journalists.
The freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right as mentioned in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India. Journalists act as the amplifiers for public opinion, and as the first contact between those in power and the general population. It is through the journalist that average citizens are able to exercise their basic rights of freedom of expression and information. Hence the safeguarding and protection of journalists should be of paramount concern to prosecutors.
During the training, prosecutors and journalists engaged in a wide range of activities, including group discussions and a moot court, which led to the proposal of recommendations focusing on the protection of journalists in the line of duty, the amendment of an existing media bill, the protection of sources, the need for a journalists redressal forum and other issues.
Judicial systems are essential to uphold the rule of law and promote freedom of expression, which is a cornerstone of democratic societies. Prosecutors in particular play a crucial role in reinforcing the three Ps: Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution. As those responsible for initiating investigations and prosecuting those who committed crimes against journalists and media professionals, it is important for them to be cognizant of the international standards relating to freedom of expression and safety of journalists.
The three-day training was conducted by an international expert, Simon Antony Clements from the Crown Prosecution Service in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mehdi Benchelah UNESCO’s Senior Specialist on the Rule of Law and Freedom of Expression and six Indian experts who focused on international instruments protecting freedom of expression as a human right, hate speech, national laws, guidelines for prosecutors on cases of crimes against journalists and other related topics.
The training was well attended by 38 participants comprising prosecutors and investigative journalists from various districts of State of Karnataka and one from Kerala State.
The training concluded on 4 November 2023, with a valedictory session and distribution of certificates to participants, which was presided by H.K. Jagdeesh, Director of Public Prosecution, Government of Karnataka, and the Chief Guest was Shri Rakesh Shetty, Managing Director, Power TV.
