Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Domestic and international legal frameworks on defamation and protection of reputation was the focus of the workshop with judges and prosecutors organised in Pristina in co-operation with the Academy of Justice. During the event participants learned about the limits of harsh criticism and the distinction between opinions, facts and defamatory allegations. While examining the specific standards applicable to criticism of public figures.

Attention was dedicated to the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the balance between freedom of expression and protection of reputation. Discussions addressed the responsibilities of journalists and editors, the proportionality of sanctions and Council of Europe perspective on limiting the use of criminal law to restrict Freedom of expression.

Through discussions and analysis of key cases, participants explored how the standards on protecting freedom of expression, on defamation and on protection of reputation can guide judicial decisions and ensure a fair balance between fundamental rights.

The activity is implemented by the Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression within the framework of the action “Protecting Freedom of Expression and of the Media (PRO-FREX)” under the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.