Changing negative perceptions key to improving relations between media and judiciary in Kosovo, say OSCE workshop participants
Some 40 judges and media professionals discussed their working relations at an OSCE Mission in Kosovo-organized workshop on 15 August 2013 in Prishtinë/Priština.
The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, said: “Timely, accurate and ethical media reporting on the work of courts , and transparency of judicial proceedings, including making documents available to the media in accordance with legal provisions, are important in changing negative perceptions media and judiciary have about each other.”
Participants assessed that journalists often believe that judges are hostile to the press, or deny media access to proceedings and refuse to disclose court documents, while the court staff believe that the journalists lack knowledge about the court system, frequently make mistakes, and report in an unethical manner.
“Accurate and comprehensive media reporting on the work of judiciary is crucial in building public trust in the justice system, the rule of law and to holding judiciary accountable,” said Schlumberger.
The workshop will result in a handbook on media coverage of court proceedings, produced by the OSCE and supported by the Kosovo Judicial Council and the Kosovo Association of Professional Journalists. The handbook will contain basic information on criminal and civil procedure, a glossary of legal terms, a description of the basic fair trial rights guaranteed by the law, as well as an outline of journalists’ rights and guidelines for ethical reporting.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo in mandated with human right protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development.