THE POLICE never intended to deprive the media of their right to access sources of information, Justice Minister Loucas Louca said yesterday following a dispute sparked when the chief of police issued a circular banning non-designated members of the force from talking to reporters.
The issue was discussed in a meeting with the participation of the chief of police Michalis Papageorgiou, publishers, the journalists union and other media representatives.
Luka said the right of reporters to access sources of information would be supported.
“There was never any intention to deprive this right,” Louca said after the meeting, noting that everyone must respect the law and the institutions.
In his circular, Papageorgiou said only designated spokespeople or their replacements can make comments to the media and only on issues authorised by the chief of police.
Papageorgiou banned officers from giving reporters information about an investigation without the permission of the leadership.
The practice by investigators briefing reporters should stop immediately, the circular said.
Members who violate the instructions will be disciplined, according to the circular.
The move was likely prompted by the leak of sensitive information concerning the murder of Sigma boss Andis Hadjicostis last month.
Papageorgiou said the aim of the circular was to put communication between the police and the media on a correct basis so that publication of certain details did not harm the investigation or any subsequent prosecutions.
Louca said the necessary instructions will be given on how officers should behave without depriving the reporters’ right to access the source of information but with respect to the laws and regulations.
“There wasn’t, there isn’t, neither there will be in the future, denial of the reporters’ right to have sources of information and access,” the Justice Minister said.
Louca also voiced his commitment that no officer would get in trouble for contacting a reporter.
Strictly speaking, the law and civil service regulations ban officers from divulging information about their work.
The chairman of the journalists’ union Andreas Kannaouros said assurances had been given that there will not be any obstacle to reporters’ access to sources of information.
We expect to see this in practice, Kannaouros said.
