.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
David Casa calls for EU rules on safety of journalists in wake of Dutch journalist's shooting
MEPs call on the Commission to note the ‘seriousness of the situation’ of journalists’ safety in the EU: ‘We cannot allow people who stand up for values such as freedom of expression and information to constantly risk their lives defending democracy and justice’
In the wake of the shooting in central Amsterdam of Dutch investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, MEP David Casa, in his capacity as co-chair of the European Parliament’s Media Working Group has called on the EU Commission to take action.
“We are extremely appalled by and strongly condemn the attack against one of the most well-known European investigative journalists, Peter R. de Vries,” MEPs from various political groups declared in a statement issued by Casa.
Mr de Vries, a Dutch national celebrity and famed crime investigator and reporter, was shot and severely wounded as he was leaving a TV studio in the busy Leideseplein area of Amsterdam on Tuesday evening and is currently fighting for his life in the hospital.
Casa, together with the other MEPs underscored how, “Over the past years, the safety of journalists has dramatically declined in the European Union. Attacks that have left journalists dead in retaliation for their investigations and their stories have become more and more common. The EU, once considered one of the safest spaces for investigative journalism, is clearly not sufficiently well equipped to guarantee the safety of all journalists who expose wrongdoing, especially the activities of organised crime groups.”
de Vries is one of the most renowned Dutch and European investigative journalists, having conducted investigations against prominent members of organised crime groups. Through his investigations, de Vries has looked into notorious cases of kidnapping and has exposed criminal groups, including large-scale drug-dealing organisations, which led to their dismantling.
In their statement, the MEPs underlined how de Vries has been a keen defender of democracy and justice, in spite of the many very serious threats that he had received over the years. He has demonstrated great courage and enormous dedication to his profession and to exposing the truth. Yesterday however, one of these threats materialised, they lamented.
MEPs in their statement called on the relevant Dutch authorities “to thoroughly investigate this case, identifying both the perpetrators and those who ordered this appalling attack, bringing them to justice.
“And at the same time, we call on the European Commission to take note of the seriousness of the situation concerning the safety of journalists in the EU and commit, from the highest level, to addressing this issue through a comprehensive European strategy and legislation on the matter. We cannot allow people who stand up for EU values such as freedom of expression and freedom of information to constantly risk their lives for defending democracy and justice,” the MEPs stressed.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
David Lindsay held editorial positions at the Malta Independent, as well as at the Malta B...
More in Ewropej 2024
