OSCE hosts workshop in Tajikistan on role of media in covering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism
A four-day workshop on the role of the media in covering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism (VERLT) concluded on 17 November 2017 in Dushanbe.
The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe and the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan.
Some 30 journalists, representatives of the Interior Ministry, and the General Prosecutor’s Office of Tajikistan gathered to discuss the role of the media in covering VERLT and enhancing the knowledge of the participants.
Trainers from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the Russian Federation spoke about national norms and international standards on the issues of VERLT, conducted interactive exercises for the participants and organized role play activities to improve the participants’ theoretical knowledge and practical experience on how to counter violent extremism and terrorism.
Participants learned about the different tools to counter VERLT in the media and on the Internet, and how to properly address VERLT issues in the public domain. They also got acquainted with the legal aspects of national and international laws on countering violent extremism and terrorism. Other topics of discussion were the professional ethics of journalists covering such topics and the work of press-offices during emergency situations. The results of the event will allow for further development of the recommendations of workshop participants based on concrete practical cases.
“The OSCE co-organized this workshop in order to address the challenges that journalists face when covering terrorism and violent extremism and to strengthen the role of the media in preventing and countering violent extremism while still respecting the basic legal rights of those accused,” said Ilgar Ibrahimli, Media Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, during the opening session of the workshop. “We are confident that the skills learned at this training will be an important guide for journalists in Tajikistan in covering terrorism and violent extremism, both in terms of strengthening the professional ethics in covering this topic and ensuring that the public has access to the information it needs.”
Nuriddin Karshiboev, Head of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan, said: “The coverage of violent extremism- and terrorism-related topics in the public domain is crucial for Tajik society.” He added that the improvement of journalists’ skills to work with such sensitive materials may enhance their access to information, which positively contributes to effective decision-making in the security sector.
The event is in line with the OSCE Programme Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in the host country.