Brussels: Report on strengthening democracy media freedom and pluralism in the EU: improper use of actions under civil and criminal law to silence journalists, NGOs and civil society – Speech by MEP Renew Vlad Gheorghe (2021.11.11)
I support this report – a community of European values cannot exist without access to information and free expression.
Journalists, activists and NGOs are the guardians of democracy. They become the targets of abusive actions by the corrupt people, actions meant to intimidate and even hurt them.
It has been 4 years since the Maltese journalist Dafne Galiția was killed because she exposed corruption. In Romania, journalists are sued for investigations into corruption offenses. At the protest on August 10, 2018, journalists following the abuses of law enforcement were gassed and beaten. Journalists writing about illegal deforestation are threatened and assaulted.
We can’t stand aside anymore! I call on the Commission to recognize the real threat to the rule of law of these practices. We can no longer look away, leaving journalists alone and exposed.
Legislative measures are needed to prevent and combat abusive actions, magistrates ready to reject them and protect free expression, European rights and the rule of law..
Strengthening democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU
