RSF, FPU and the CPJ create the people’s Tribunal to indict governments, seek justice for murdered journalists

Violence against journalists is on the rise worldwide. Since 1992, more than 1400 journalists have been killed, and in eight out of ten cases where a journalist is murdered, the killers go free. The persistently high level of impunity perpetuates a cycle of violence against journalists, posing a threat to freedom of expression.

In a major push towards justice, leading press freedom organisations Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), requested the Permanent People’s Tribunal to convene a People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists. People’s Tribunals are designed to hold states accountable for violations of international law by building public awareness and generating a legitimate evidence record, and play an important role in empowering victims and recording their stories. The People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists, will indict the governments of Sri Lanka, Mexico and Syria for failing to deliver justice for the murders of Lasantha Wickrematunge, Miguel Ángel López Velasco, and Nabil Al-Sharbaji.

“The opening hearing on November 2nd marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. This initiative goes beyond naming and shaming authorities which allow the horrifying impunity level. It’s about setting a concrete and useful example of what should be done by the judiciary ,” said Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

“Too many brave journalists were murdered for doing their vital job: reporting the truth. The People’s Tribunal demands justice for these heinous crimes, and creates leverage to mobilize states to address impunity for the murders of journalists. More can and should be done to bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice. That is the inspiration for ‘A Safer World of the Truth’,” said Leon Willems, Director, Policy & Programmes of Free Press Unlimited (FPU).

  “The role of the Tribunal is important to seek justice for these courageous journalists,  but it also gives family members and colleagues an opportunity to speak up and share their own stories and the impact of these brutal murders. Those left behind have worked tirelessly to keep the stories of these journalists alive, often in the face of threats and harassment. Their voices have been crucial in ongoing efforts to fight back against impunity,” Joel Simon, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) added.

Renowned human rights lawyer Almudena Bernabeu will lead the prosecution for the opening hearing. A keynote address will be delivered by Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws QC, member of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom.

 “Freedom of expression is an essential human right. And yet, the frequency of grave violations committed against journalists coupled with prevailing high levels of  impunity  is alarming. It is time that states are held accountable, " said Almudena Bernabeu, Prosecutor of the People’s Tribunal on the Murder of Journalists.

Key witnesses delivering testimonies include Hatice Cengiz, academic and fiancée of Saudi journalist Jamal Kashoggi who was murdered in 2018, Matthew Caruana Galizia, journalist and son of  Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia who was murdered in 2017, and Pavla Holcová, investigative journalist and colleague of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak, murdered in 2018.

The opening hearing will take place from 09:00-18:00 Central European on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 in The Hague. If you want to attend in person, please email  [email protected], or join via livestream on: http://saferworldforthetruth.c....