Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe The Representative on Freedom of the Media Teresa Ribeiro Survey on existing and/or planned measures to promote safety of journalists within OSCE participating States Free professional journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. Therefore, Estonia considers the protection of journalists to be very important, and we will closely monitor that the legal framework already in force today ensures the necessary conditions for the professional work of journalists. All media outlets have also taken self-regulatory measures to protect journalists, especially from the hate speech . Are there specific rules or regulations in place to address (online and offline) violence, attacks, harassment against journalists? Please provide some information on relevant existing or planned rules or regulations . Journalists are protected by the same legal framework that protects all other citizens under Estonian jurisdiction. Is there a national strategy or a national action plan in place or being developed to enhance the safety of journalists? Does/will it address gender-specific threats faced by journalists? Does/will it include measures to engage young journalists and youth media and promo te a safe environment for them ? All Estonian media outlets deal seriously with issues related to the protection of journalists on a daily basis, and gender equality is also followed very seriously. In order to protect young journalists, special courses are organized to help them deal with the problems and tensions associated with their work. Are there specific procedural safeguards for journalists , including when targeted with defamation lawsuits and other speech-based claims ? Please provide some information on relevant existing procedural safeguards. The legal norms in force in Estonia adequately protect journalists. This is also confirmed by Estonia's high position in the media freedom index. Are there specific rules or regulations in place to protect journalistic sources , personal data and privacy of journalists? Please provide some information on relevant existing or planned rules or regulations . The privacy of journalists is protected under the same conditions as all citizens . The corresponding legal enviroment is framed by Personal Data Protection Act, M edia S ervices Act , C riminal law, The Code of Ethics for Journalism, and of course The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia . Are there any other measures in place to measure, promote and /or protect safety of journalists? Political commitment on the issue of safety of journalists Specific fund to promote safety of journalists Early warning or rapid response mechanisms, such as 24h hotlines, online platforms or emergency contact points National data coll ection and analysis on attacks and violence against journalists Awareness-r aising and training activities, including for young journalists C ooperation with civil society Any other measures, please provide further information There are many awareness-raising and training activities and initiatives starting with short courses, seminars and ending with long lasting programs provided by several universities. Are there specific arrangements for law-enforcement, prosecution and/or judicial offices in place regarding attacks against journalists? Establishment of a s pecialized prosecutors office Establishment of s pecialized units of law enforcement authorities Specialized protocols for prosecutors/law enforcement for criminal investigations of crimes committed aga inst journalists Specialized training for judges/prosecutors/law enforcement on safety of journalists and relevant international human rights standards Any other measures, please provide further information We believe that the Republic of Estonia offers a sufficiently good and safe living and working environment thanks to a good legislative framework, supervision and the judiciary.
From: Andres Jõesaar
Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 12:25 PM
To: '
[email protected]' <
[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Survey to participating States on existing or planned measures to promote safety
Hi,
This letter is in response to survey on safety of journalist. I'm pleased to provide
you with answers from Estonia.
If you need any more information, please contact me personally anytime.
Best regrads,
Andres Jõesaar
Adviser (meedia)
Ministry of Culture