Chernihiv media professionals learned to cover war trials

An online training “How to Cover Trials in War Cases and Work with Victims” was held in Chernihiv for media workers and activists of the Chernihiv region. The event was organized by the Regional Hub of the Institute of Mass Information Mediabase Chernihiv in partnership with the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights.

We share the main theses:

Do not ask general questions, but first study what is in the case and ask questions based on this data;

Use legal vocabulary, even if the material will have to translate all this into “human” language;

Use neutral words – “Your client”, “accused”, “defendant” and the like;

Give the context of the question in the words of the other party and ask for examples and clarifications;

Be attentive to the passivity or activity of the defense party;

Explain the motivation of the conversation to the defense attorneys;

Regularly attend meetings so that they trust you;

It is advisable to attend meetings in the same clothes so that you are remembered among other journalists;

Ask for case materials;

Refusal to comment is also a party’s position, and the material can add that one or another party refused to comment.

The activity is carried out within the framework of the project “The Bar and local media: building synergy for the Freedom of Speech”, which is implemented by the All-Ukrainian Coalition for Legal Aid in cooperation with the NGO “Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights” with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.