News Media Europe (NME) strongly condemns the police raid that took place this Tuesday at the headquarters of the news agency Europa Press and the newspaper Diario de Mallorca, with the aim to confiscate documents and business sensitive materials within the framework of the Cursachcase.

News Media Europe condemns such a clear attack on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and media freedom. NME would like to remind the police or judicial authorities that they cannot in obtain sensitive information from news media professionals which are exercising the fundamental right to protect their sources.

Several police agents accompanied by a prosecutor have initiated a criminal investigation at the Europa Press quarters in the Balearic Islands and demanded documentation and corporate assets connected to the news agency’s reports on the Cursach case. The police demanded the mobile phone of the journalist in charge and all documentation that was gathered in the course of the journalistic investigation.

Additionally, the journalist was denied contacting the legal services of Europa Press, thus inflicting a serious violation of the constitutional right of freedom of information, freedom of the press and the fundamental right to legal aid in a criminal proceeding.

In the same way, the journalists of Diario de Mallorca refused to hand over the information requested by the police agents on the basis of the right to not disclose sources and the fundamental right to freedom of information. The Court of Instruction requested the journalist in charge of the Cursach investigation at Diario de Mallorca, to appear in front of the Court and confiscated the journalist’s mobile phone.

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe –  over 2200 European news brands in print or online, and also on radio and tv. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries. 

For further information please contact:

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director, wout.vanwijk@newsmediaeurope.eu

Tw: @NewsmediaEU