OSCE supports training seminar on presumption of innocence for practicing journalists and journalism students

The OSCE Office in Tajikistan’s Rule of Law and Media units held an interactive training seminar for 18 journalism professionals and aspiring professionals in the Varzob region outside of Dushanbe, on 8 and 9 June 2017.

The seminar began with a lecture on the origin of the presumption of innocence and its expressions throughout history and across cultures.  Assisted by three local experts, participants discussed international and Tajik legal instruments, as well as journalistic ethical codes and standards. 

“This event supports the notion of fair and public hearings and respect for the presumption of innocence, as specified in the Copenhagen Document,” said Charles Bolland, OSCE Rule of Law Officer, noting that the seminar was in line with Tajikistan’s OSCE commitments.

The seminar included case studies and group presentations by participants and debate on where the line is drawn between an accused person’s right to the presumption of innocence and the public’s access to information.  Related concepts, such as media freedoms and the right to privacy also formed part of discussions.