PACE Adopts Resolution Urging to Respect Freedom of Expression

Concerned about the deterioration of the safety of journalists and media freedom in Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a new resolution calling for the protection of journalists' rights and freedom of expression.

STRASBOURG, January 29 (Sputnik) — The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted Thursday a resolution calling for the protection of journalists' rights and freedom of expression in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris targeting the French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

"Deeply concerned about the deterioration of the safety of journalists and media freedom in Europe, the Assembly urges member States to step up their domestic and multilateral efforts for the respect of the human rights to freedom of expression and information as well as to the protection of the life, liberty and security of those working for and with the media," the resolution reads.

The PACE resolution adopted by 77 votes in favor, underlines that media constitutes an important index for democracy, political freedoms and the rule of law in a country or a region.

The delegates noted that the protection of journalists should have a preventive nature.

"Although media freedom is widely proclaimed in Europe, the Assembly regrets that this freedom is frequently restricted by limiting the freedom and safety of journalists," the resolution says, adding that journalists are often subjected to physical and financial assaults.

On January 7, the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo magazine, known for its cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad, was attacked by terrorists, who killed 12 people and injured 11 others.

The terror attack has caused grave concerns about the need to protect freedom of speech in Europe and around the globe.