The Council of Europe today adopted a set of guidelines aimed to ensure the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists in its 47 member states. In a Recommendation supported by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the Committee of Ministers – the organisation´s decision-making body – encouraged states to review their national legislation and practice concerning media freedom to make sure they are in conformity with the European Convention of Human Rights. Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said: ”Journalists and free media play an essential role in any functioning democracy. They must be allowed to scrutinise those in power and…