Safety of media workers and reporting on extremism in focus of OSCE workshop for journalists in Kyrgyzstan

CHON-KEMIN, Kyrgyzstan, 30 September 2016 - A five–day workshop on safety and security measures to be taken by journalists and editors when reporting on matters related to violent extremism and radicalization started today in Chon-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan.

The course is organized by the German Institute for Democracy, Media and Cultural Exchange and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek with the aim of improving local and regional media coverage of these issues.

The workshop, attended by 20 participants from Bishkek, Batken, Jalal-Abad and Osh will be conducted by international media experts with a focus on digital security, data acquisition, fact checking, and safety of journalists, among other areas.

“Extremism is a global phenomenon which requires the engagement of all levels of society to prevent the spread of violent ideology. Media plays an important role by getting the public informed and making it resistant to the influence of the extremists,” said Ulrike Butmaloiu, German journalist, media lecturer and one of the course trainers. “We want to provide journalists with the tools to make the media work and the environment they work in safer,” said Butmaloiu.

Evgeniy Sharov, acting Head of Politico-Military Dimension of OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said: “Free media is key to the realization of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression. Violation of this right can lead to further radicalization. At the same time, media should remain professional and ethical to maintain their credibility and fulfil their educational role in counter-extremism policies.”

The training will include case analysis and practical assignments. The event is part of the OSCE Centre’s media project on building national dialogue on information security and is a contribution to the OSCE United in Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) campaign.