The work of the Assembly concluded yesterday in Vienna. Hatzigianni, in his intervention in a debate in the Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs on the topic of journalism as a prerequisite for justice and the rule of law, noted that independent, impartial and responsible journalism and ensuring a pluralistic media environment are key pillars of democracy, as they enhance transparency and accountability.
Referring to murders of journalists, Mr. Hatzigiannis pointed out that such unacceptable phenomena demonstrate the serious threats to which journalists are exposed simply for doing their job. Pointing out that legislation in some OSCE participating States, which provides for special protection for political figures, is outdated, Hatzigiannis stressed that political figures in particular should accept greater public scrutiny of their work and broader limits on what constitutes acceptable criticism.
Hatzigiannis expressed concern about the phenomenon of increasing abusive recourse to the courts through the filing of strategic lawsuits against journalists or media outlets. She noted that these legal measures, which aim to discourage and intimidate journalists, have a direct negative impact on democratic participation.
Moreover, in an intervention at a meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment, he highlighted the importance of "energy democracy", stressing that the transition to cleaner forms of energy must be carried out in a participatory and democratic manner and involve consultation with civil society to guarantee respect for the principles of transparency and democracy.
Source: CNA
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