BezpecnaZurnalistika Platform, Supported by the Bakala Foundation, to Back Journalists

The International Press Institute Czech Republic (CZ IPI) has launched a unique platform called “Safe Journalism”. Its goal is to provide assistance to journalists facing threats, intimidation, or legal pressure. The Bakala Foundation is a proud partner of this groundbreaking project, which was inspired by a similar initiative in Slovakia.

“Protecting journalists is not just a matter of personal safety – it is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy. That is why we decided to become a partner of this project, which gives journalists the tools and support they need to work freely and without fear,” says Václav Pecha, Director of the Bakala Foundation.

The platform enables journalists to report incidents safely and confidentially, seek legal advice, and access practical guidance on how to respond to threats or attacks. Like in Slovakia, where a similar portal already exists, the Czech platform primarily focuses on journalists from smaller newsrooms, who often lack adequate support.

According to surveys, more than one-third of Czech journalists regularly face attacks or threats, and most of them would welcome an effective support system. The “Safe Journalism” project is therefore an important step toward safeguarding freedom of expression and independent journalism.