What can be done to help those who are threatened?

Here are Ossigeno’s proposals that start from the analysis of the causes.

Most threats and intimidations are made possible by the following factors:

• the impunity of those who intimidate journalists
• the isolation and marginalisation of those threatened
• the abusive court proceedings regarding defamation
• civil trials for unlimited requests for damages
• the partial recognition only of professional secrecy
• the lack of coverage of legal expenses for many journalists, and in particular for those who do not have job security

To address these problems, legal reforms are required despite having been discussed for many years; yet these reforms are costless and could be approved before the end of the present legislature.

• Decriminalize libel
• Stop manifestly unfounded or vexatious lawsuits
• Coverage of legal costs
• Codification and limitation of compensation
• Strengthening professional secrecy
• Aggravating circumstances and unforeseen offences
• Legal position of journalists
• Protection measures and assistance procedures
• Methods of investigative work
• Protection protocol