Media Ethics Board Warns on Migrant Reporting

According to the statement, some media organizations circulated images of individuals arrested for being in the country illegally, capturing them in court corridors and revealing their identities to the public. The Board noted that such practices raise ethical concerns, violate human rights, and may conflict with constitutional protections.

“Every person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty according to the law,” the statement emphasized, highlighting that the presumption of innocence is constitutionally guaranteed. Publishing images or details that imply guilt before judicial proceedings are concluded infringes on individuals’ rights and puts their dignity and safety at risk.

The Board also cautioned against publishing content without full knowledge of the circumstances under which migrants arrived, noting that such reporting exposes individuals rather than informing the public. It urged media outlets to adopt practices that respect human dignity, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics such as “irregular migrants,” “immigrants,” and “refugees.”

Journalists were called upon to focus on the socio-economic conditions that drive people into irregular migration, explore systemic challenges, and report on potential solutions rather than producing sensationalist content. The Board stressed that responsible journalism should not only ask “what happened?” but also “why did it happen?” and provide informed answers to the public.