Project
Training course on investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists and the protection of freedom of expression
UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan in partnership with the General Prosecutor’s Office trained prosecutors from 9 – 11 August 2022, on investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists and the protection of freedom of expression.
The training workshop stimulated a national dialogue on international standards on freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists.
The three-day exercise was welcomed by Ms Svetlana Artikova, the Deputy Prosecutor General of the Republic of Uzbekistan, followed by opening remarks from Ms Sara Noshadi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Uzbekistan. The 25 participants from the General Prosecutor’s Office, Internal Affairs Department, Supreme Court and Military Prosecution as well as five Media professionals were trained by an international expert on different aspects related to freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists. Modules were also presented by UNESCO’s Chief of Section on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists, the Prosecutor of the Department for Public Relations and Legal Information of the General Prosecutor's Office, the Head of the Department of the Academy of the General Prosecutor's Office, and other senior experienced Prosecutors from the country.
Public prosecutors are crucial to protecting journalists and ensuring that crimes against them do not go unpunished. The judiciary and security play a paramount role in reinforcing the “three Ps” (Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution), to ensure journalists’ safety.
As planned, the training had the international expert and other invited legal experts lead the participants through different sessions including the right to freedom of expression in building a democratic society, legitimate limitations to freedom of expression, law, and legal guarantees of obtaining information, the activities of the prosecutor’s office in Uzbekistan, the duty to protect journalistic sources and others.
The Head of Department of the Academy of the General Prosecutor’s Office highlighted, “the event was the first ever conducted for the law enforcement agencies. The interactive training gave us new skills, information, and concrete recommendations that will help in our scope of work”.
The training also spotlighted UNESCO’s , available in 18 languages including , developed in partnership with the International Association of Prosecutors.
The knowledge imparted will be critical to ensuring the security of journalists, prosecution, and prevent the perils of freedom of speech, and fostering a free and safe environment for media workers in Uzbekistan.
A District judge who participated in the workshop highly appreciated its “in-depth discussion as the International expert from Canada addressed key topics and encouraged the exchange of good practices among participants”.
This training was organized with the support of the and from the .
Since 2013, UNESCO’s Judges’ Initiative has raised the capacities of judicial actors (including judges, prosecutors, and lawyers) on international and regional standards on freedom of expression, access to information, and the safety of journalists in over 150 countries around the world. Over 24,000 judicial actors, including judges, prosecutors, and lawyers, have been trained on these issues, notably through a , on-the-ground training and workshops for Supreme Court judges, and the publications of many and .
