The International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ), in collaboration with UNESCO, successfully completed a four-day training program from June 18 to June 21, 2024, at the facilities of the Hellenic Police Academy for Further Training and Education in Veria.
The aim of the training was to equip security personnel with the necessary knowledge to improve their interaction with journalists, respecting their work and press freedom. At the same time, it sought to adequately prepare them to prevent attacks on journalists by violent groups with political or criminal motives.
A total of 29 police officers participated in the training, 17 of whom attended in person and 12 remotely. Additionally, on June 20 and 21, 14 print and digital journalists participated, with 11 attending in person and 3 remotely.
The Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and Government Spokesperson, Pavlos Marinakis, in a greeting conveyed by the Secretary General of Communication and Information, Dimitris Galamatis, praised the ICSJ initiative, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. Mr. Marinakis stressed that press freedom is the “oxygen of Democracy” and a prerequisite for the objective information of citizens.
This training is part of ICSJ's ongoing efforts to promote cooperation between security forces and media professionals, aiming to ensure a safe and free environment for the practice of journalism.
