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Interaction Between Journalists and Police Officers during Mass Events

Description

This guidebook is a result of joint work between Ukraine's Interior Ministry officers and media unions’ experts as part of a project implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator. It includes recommendations on their co-operation during mass events, the rules of safe conduct and a detailed overview of the rights and responsibilities of both the police and journalists. It is not available in English.

Summary

Outbreaks of violence in the streets, which were accompanying the political crisis in Ukraine in late 2013 - early 2014, showed the need to significantly change approaches to security of journalists and to review mechanisms of co-operation between the law enforcement and the media in crisis situations, especially during mass events.

Both journalists and law enforcement officials lack relevant experience and knowledge, which results in a large number of incidents and even some tragic ones. Problematic relationship between journalists and law enforcement officials are often the cause of  such conficts.

At the same time, the need to establish a dialogue between journalists and police officers can not be doubted, because only constructive co-operation will help each side to efficiently perform their duties. This guide was developed with the purpose to reduce the level of conflict and contains recommendations for journalists and law enforcement cooperation during events, tips on safe behavior, and a detailed explanation of the rights of journalists and police officers, and examples of their interaction.