The second round of the tutored online courses on “Freedom of expression” and “Protection and safety of journalists” for judges and prosecutors in Serbia has started on 8 April 2022.

The courses have been prepared in the framework of the joint European Union and Council of Europe’s action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in South-East Europe (JUFREX)” and in co-operation with the Council of Europe’s Human Rights Education for Legal Professionals (HELP) Programme.

The online courses aim to support legal professionals, and other relevant professionals, in understanding the European standards concerning freedom of expression and the protection of journalists. All relevant and relating topics covered within the courses are explored in a practical way, by using presentations, interactive screens, knowledge tests and reflective exercises – hand in hand with discussing information on the domestic legislative and institutional framework and practices in Serbia.

The courses are implemented in co-operation with the Judicial Academy of the Republic of Serbia,a partner of the JUFREX action. They are a tool to supplement traditional approaches in legal education. The Judicial Academy will also gain the capacity to continue to offer these tutored online courses to the members of the Judiciary and prosecutorial services beyond the action’s lifetime which will also the long-term sustainability of the JUFREX action results.

This activity was organised within the action on “Freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Serbia (JUFREX)” and in co-operation with the HELP in the Western Balkans, both part of the joint EU and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey 2019-2022”.