EU countries urged to protect journalists as number of attacks rises

European Commission calls for action as it says 908 media workers were attacked in 23 EU states last year

EU governments have been urged by Brussels to take action to protect journalists, after an increase in physical and online attacks on members of the press.

Issuing its first-ever recommendation on journalists' safety, the European Commission called on EU governments to set up free contact points for media workers who face physical or online threats, in order to ensure a rapid response from police and prosecutors. It also wants to make sure journalists who become victims of crime have assured access to counselling, legal advice and shelters.