Media to be free in covering counter-terrorist operations

Journalists of the leading Russian media and security services have agreed to cooperate in counter-terrorist operations.

On Wednesday, the participants in the conference, Journalism in Emergency Situations, worked out recommendations for the media and security agencies, regarding the coverage of terrorism, extremism, and armed conflicts.

In particular, journalists are recommended to follow the anti-terrorist convention that the journalist community adopted in 2003. Security services in turn are recommended to provide the media with information about the developments via their departmental press service. Moreover, operative HQs for the special operation are recommended to inform media representatives about its progress.

The resolution in question notes that security structures should provide security of a journalist covering the events in hand. Security officers are also recommended to provide access for press representatives to the site of a terrorist attack.

At the same time, Vladimir Vasilyev, the chairman of the Duma committee for security, said, "journalists covering counter-terrorist operations share particular responsibility for unbiased reporting" from the scene.

"At issue are the lives of the people taken hostage by terrorists," he said. Therefore, he urged reporters "to boost psychological endurance of the people who found themselves in stressful conditions, which are inevitable during special operations."

Participating in the conference were representatives of Russia's leading media, security structures and also Duma deputies.

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