27. 07. 2005

IJAS CALLS ON PROTECTION OF CHILD’S IDENTITY

BELGRADE, July 27, 2005 – Journalists’ associations and relevant experts said the ethical code of journalism was breached by publishing the personal details of children victims of violence, adding that such reports could consequently cause direct damage to children’s lives. Independent Association of Serbian Journalists (IJAS) stressed that under the code of journalism the child’s identity ought to be protected, whether child was alive or not. Children’s psychologist Oliver Vidojevic however said that in this case it was right to report on the complete story, since it could not endanger the life of the child anymore, but it could draw attention of the public to the problem. Vidojevic also said that publishing of the whole story about the sexual abuse of the 3 year-old K.J. was coincided with the interests of journalists to report on the details of the case, and the need for protection of children, because, as he said, this case should serve as an example which might prevent the same thing to happen to other children. According to Vidojevic, the story could have positive effects on the public, as it would help the uncovering of new cases of violation and give confidence to victims to “come forward with the truth”. Experience of those abused but threatened into not talking about it could greatly increase the awareness of children victims of violation. In other cases, when child is alive, the media should not publicize the victim’s identity, Vidojevic stated, giving the example of a girl having numerous problems in treatment and recovery after the violence, because the case was made public. Omer Hadziomeroic, member of the Association of Serbian Judges, agreed with Vidojevic that minors’ identity should be protected, therefore not publicized. However, in this particular case, the victim died so the publication of her initials was “pointless”.