IMI lawyer: Journalists need secial protection under martial law

Photo by Volodymyr Zelenchuk

In wartime, journalists are often faced with vague interpretations of the laws and recommendations regulating their work under martial law, so they need special protection in such time, noted IMI lawyer Volodymyr Zelenchuk at the "Mediabaza Dnipro" webinar "Legal Aspects of Reporting under Martial Law" on May 29.

The lawyer recommends that journalists not only adhere to high professional standards of ethics and responsibility for their own safety and the safety of soldiers and civilians, but also know their own rights.

"Journalists need to know the legal framework underpinning their work and the correct way to act in certain situations when interacting with authorities and law enforcers. Media workers need special protection during martial law, as freedom of speech in the country is significantly restricted by the state due to the war. On the other hand, one needs to stress their rights in controversial situations that arise due to vague interpretations of legal acts such as the Decree No. 73", Volodymyr Zelenchuk said.

The IMI lawyer also explained the algorithm for reporting in combat areas and covering sensitive information and the procedure for getting access.

Suspilne Dnipro journalist Anton Sirenko, who attended the event, noted that the webinar helped him clarify many nuances of his work.

"Yes, we've had, to put it mildly, hints of obstruction while working at shelling spots. Local self-government bodies did not want to let the filming crew through even though it was civilian objects that were damaged. They still gave us the permission later, but time was lost, so one of the principles of reporting – speed – was not observed. The webinar helped clarify many nuances of work in similar situations," said Anton Sirenko.

Earlier, the Institute of Mass Information released an explainer on the amendments to the Decree No. 73 on the work of journalists in combat areas.

The Institute of Mass Information provides legal advice to media workers. You can get it:

• by phone (050) 447-70-63;
• via e-mail [email protected];
• or fill out the application form to contact IMI media lawyers.

IMI provides consultations on the following issues:

• copyright;
• access to public information;
• police inaction in investigating crimes against journalists;
• privacy, such as protecting personal data and confidential information;
• defamation lawsuits;
• advertising certain types of goods;
• social protection for media workers (insurance, trade unions, vacations, etc.);
• labor and corporate law;
• application of the journalism standards, etc.

If your rights as a journalist have been violated, the lawyers of the Institute of Mass Information will help you file a statement with the police. IMI also keeps record of freedom of speech violations, processes them and passes them on to the law enforcement.

Read more on what help IMI can offer to journalists.