European Federation of Journalists

Workshop: Investigative journalism and defamation law in Greece, 18-20 October


The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the International Press Institute (IPI) invite journalists and unionists to a three-day workshop on Investigative journalism and defamation law, to be held in Thessaloniki (Greece) from 18 October to 20 October.

On Days 1 and 2, trainers and contributors from Greece and other European countries will work together with participants to describe the working environment for investigative journalists in Greece, and identify challenges and possible opportunities for them to develop their work. They will also present financial tools and funding models for investigative journalism, as well as digital tools to be used in order to protect data and communications while working as independent journalist. Covering refugees, as a demanding field for journalists with investigative skills in Greece and throughout Europe, will also be on the workshop’s agenda.

On Day 3, IPI, together with the Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI), will lead a seminar on freedom of expression and defamation laws, with a focus on the Greek context. The seminar will focus on understanding European standards in defamation cases and, in cooperation with Greek lawyers and editors, present journalists with best practices for producing hard-hitting journalism while avoiding legal trouble for defamation. (see the programme)

The workshop will be facilitated with the support of the local EFJ affiliate, the Journalists’ Union of Macedonia and Thrace Daily Newspapers (ESIEMTH).

Participation in this workshop is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. In addition, organisers will cover the travel and accommodation costs for participants coming from outside of Thessaloniki.

Interested participants are asked to fill out the following application form and submit it before Friday 7 October. Due to limited space, participants are requested not to make any travel arrangements before their participation is confirmed by the organisers.

Contact person: Yannis Kotsifos, ESIEMTH, kotsifos(at)esiemth(dot)gr.

Questions may also be directed to IPI at sgriffen(at)freemedia(dot)at.

Credit photo: George Giakoumidis