In 2024, the greatest threat to journalist safety in Europe remained the risks associated with covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the annual report by partner organizations of the Council of Europe’s (CE) Platform for the Protection of Journalism, presented on Wednesday.
The report highlights the dangers of disinformation, including AI-generated content and state propaganda. The CE platform urges member state governments to implement necessary reforms to safeguard press freedom, ensure transparency, and protect journalists from intimidation and other threats.
In 2024, the platform documented 266 cases of physical attacks, intimidation, or detention of journalists—slightly fewer than in 2023 (285) but significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. The highest number of incidents occurred in Ukraine (40), with most in Russian-occupied territories (32), followed by Turkey (28), Serbia (20), and Georgia (18). The report noted a threefold increase in cases in Georgia, mainly linked to attacks on journalists during pro-European protests.
By the end of 2024, a total of 159 journalists were detained across Europe, with the highest numbers in Belarus (44), Azerbaijan (30), Russia (29), Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine (28), Turkey (27), and one in Georgia.
Regarding Slovakia, the report examines legislative and budgetary changes affecting public broadcaster RTVS, which was replaced by Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) last year. It also highlights tensions between government officials and journalists, noting that authorities frequently refused to answer questions from major media outlets while engaging with so-called alternative media instead. The Council of Europe platform expressed concern that this approach hinders journalists' work, undermines the public’s right to information, and limits citizens' ability to hold the government accountable.
"Despite these ongoing challenges, Slovakia continues to have a strong and resilient independent media sector," the CE platform noted in its report.
Source: TASR
