Two Spanish journalists killed in attack on convoy in Burkina Faso

Two Spanish journalists who were reported missing on Monday were found dead today in the eastern region of Fada N’Gourma-Pama, according to the authorities in Burkina Faso and Spain. 44-year-old David Beriáin, a veteran TV journalist and founder of 93 Metros and cameraman Roberto Fraile were in a convoy carrying both security forces and civilians, which came under attack from unidentified gunmen near the Pama reserve. The journalists, reportedly accompanied by an Irish conservation worker who was also killed, had travelled to the region as part of their production about the protection of natural parks. In a statement, the Communications…

EFJ-EU Webinar: How to counter anti-Muslim narratives in the media

On 23 April, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) kicked off a series of webinars aiming to improve media reporting on Muslims and Islam. Funded by the European Commission (DG Justice), the webinar has gathered 24 professional journalists and media practitioners from across 12 EU and candidate countries. The first session focused on common mistakes or misconceptions regarding Muslims’ and Islam’s media representation and consequences thereof were discussed. First, introductory speeches were delivered by EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez and Tommaso Chiamparino, the European Commission Coordinator on combating anti-Muslim hatred. “Journalists’ organisations have a duty to promote professional ethics, quality journalism,…

Germany: Media houses join code to better protect journalists

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins its German affiliates, the German Journalists Association (DJV) and the German Journalists Union (dju in ver.di), Reporters without Borders and two other organisations, in calling on publishers and broadcasters to do more to protect journalists from violence and threats. On 22 April, the German affiliates presented a code of conduct for media houses, which is to serve as a basis for measures to be taken. The code presented last Thursday was developed by advisory and journalists’ organisations, including DJV and dju in ver.di. Among others, it includes the recommendation to appoint a fixed contact person per…

Greece: Support to Documento journalist Kostas Vaxevanis

On 26 April 2021, Documento publisher and journalist Kostas Vaxevanis was given increased police protection after the Athens Prosecutor’s Office ordered a preliminary investigation into information received by Vaxevanis about a murder contract issued against him. The European and International Federations of Journalists (EFJ/IFJ) joined their affiliates in Greece, JUADN, in welcoming the police action and expressing support to Kostas Vaxevanis. Publisher of Documento newspaper and journalist Kostas Vaxevanis has publicly stated that he fears for his life after receiving several credible information that he was a target since 6 April. The police increased protection for Kostas Vaxevanis and the…