91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

Since its creation in 2023, Safe.journalism.SK recorded 96 incidents of attacks and threats against journalists. These incidents range from verbal and online threats to physical attacks and legal intimidation.

Among the 96 incidents, 55 were verbal or online threats, often delivered through social networks, emails, or letters. These threats, though not physical, create a pervasive atmosphere of fear. In 15 cases, journalists reported stalking or harassment, both online and in person, adding another layer of intimidation. Legal threats were recorded in six instances, while three journalists faced physical attacks. Additionally, there were three refusals of accreditation, two cases of discrimination, three death threats, and nine other varied threats.

The gender breakdown of these incidents is particularly alarming. Women journalists were targeted in 50 of the 96 incidents, highlighting a disturbing trend of gender-specific attacks, a trend highlighted in the . Men journalists faced 34 incidents, while the gender of the journalist was not disclosed in 12 cases. The data also reveals a steep rise in attacks against women journalists, with 29 incidents reported in the first half of 2024 alone, compared to 21 in the entire year of 2023.

Many of these attacks against women journalists are deeply personal and discriminatory. They involve sexual harassment, online trolling, and threats of physical violence, which can have severe consequences for their mental health. These attacks not only threaten their personal security but also undermine freedom of speech and the press, as they may lead to self-censorship.

In addition to documenting these threats, Safe.journalism.SK has provided support to journalists. The platform has offered group consultations for 105 journalists and individual consultations for over 60 journalists, addressing issues related to their security and rights. Twenty journalists sought legal assistance, with some cases leading to criminal complaints. 

One notable case involved a woman journalist who was targeted by a deepfake audio clip. The clip, designed to discredit her, was shared widely on social media. It featured computer-altered voices discussing election manipulation and financial rewards, aiming to manipulate voters and tarnish reputations.

The journalist, who had already faced numerous attacks, turned to Safe.journalism.SK for help. The platform's legal team assisted her in filing a complaint. Despite initial setbacks, the platform's lawyers successfully appealed for the investigation to continue. The prosecutor ordered the police to resume their work, and in March 2024, the journalist was asked to give a witness statement. The investigation remains ongoing, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by journalists seeking justice.

The Global Media Defence Fund, established in 2019 under the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. has supported over 120 projects globally, directly benefiting more than 8,000 journalists, 1,400 lawyers and 300 media organisations. 

One of the key actions of the Fund is to ensure journalists’ rapid access to legal assistance, bolster their defense and enhance their safety, taking into account the gendered-specific nature of threats against them. For further examples of assistance supported under the fund, please refer to the news stories available on its website.