Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A two-day regional training course entitled “Justice and Coverage of Legal Issues in the Media” was held in Termez on 19–20 October 2026 to strengthen the professional skills of regional journalists, bloggers and court press officers.
The event was organised by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Reporting on court proceedings requires journalists not only to present information clearly and engagingly but also to comply strictly with legal and ethical standards.
This includes respecting the public’s right to information, the presumption of innocence, the dignity and reputation of those involved in legal proceedings, and the requirement to ensure the accuracy of published information. These issues formed the focus of the training in Termez.
The event provided a platform for professional dialogue between media representatives and the judicial system. Participants discussed ways to promote transparency in the administration of justice, improve the quality of court reporting and strengthen public trust in judicial institutions.
The experts included Olena Chernyavska, a researcher and media freedom specialist, and Dainius Radzevicius, Lithuania’s media ethics ombudsman.
They examined international experience in cooperation between journalists and judicial authorities, focusing on legal restrictions and professional responsibility when preparing reports on court cases.
Particular attention was paid to balancing freedom of expression with the protection of the rights of people involved in court proceedings. Participants discussed access to information, compliance with the presumption of innocence and the risks of publishing material that could lead to defamation claims.
The experts also explained why reporting on criminal cases requires a clear distinction between established facts, the positions of the parties and assumptions.
The practical sessions included analyses of real-life scenarios, work with information sources and fact-checking exercises.
Journalists and bloggers developed their skills in using legal terminology and explaining complex legal issues in accessible language while maintaining accuracy and objectivity.
Another focus was cooperation between journalists and court press services. Open, professional information exchange can improve court reporting, help prevent the spread of inaccurate information and enable audiences to better understand legal procedures.
At the end of the training, participants took part in a final practical session and received certificates.
The knowledge and skills acquired are intended to improve the quality of court reporting across Uzbekistan’s regions, strengthen professional standards and foster constructive cooperation between the media and the judicial system.
Such training is particularly important as digital media and social networks play an increasingly prominent role, allowing information about court proceedings to spread almost instantly.
In this environment, journalists are responsible not only for reporting news promptly but also for ensuring that it is accurate, legally sound and objective.
