Feeling (Un)Safe: Journalists' Perceptions of Legal Protections Against Hostage-Taking in the Middle East

Abstract

This research explores journalists' perceptions of international laws intended to protect them from hostage-taking in hostile environments, focusing on their professional experiences. Grounded in legal frameworks, norm compliance, and human security theories, the study seeks to understand how the law affects journalists' experiences and security on the ground. Using a qualitative methodology, the research is based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 11 European journalists who worked or are still working in the Middle East. Findings reveal that participating journalists did perceive the law as necessary but did not rely on it for their safety. Instead, they found HEFAT training, experience, and other protection mechanisms more effective. They mostly noted that one of the main issues of the legal framework, alongside little accountability, is getting all actors involved in the conflict to comply with the law. The journalists who had experienced kidnapping or arrest even found it unrealistic to rely on the law when the people in front of them did not feel part of the international system. By highlighting the gap between legal protections and journalists' lived experiences, this research contributes to broader discussions on journalists' safety in conflict zones. It also offers insights to...

This research explores journalists' perceptions of international laws intended to protect them from hostage-taking in hostile environments, focusing on their professional experiences. Grounded in legal frameworks, norm compliance, and human security theories, the study seeks to understand how the law affects journalists' experiences and security on the ground. Using a qualitative methodology, the research is based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 11 European journalists who worked or are still working in the Middle East. Findings reveal that participating journalists did perceive the law as necessary but did not rely on it for their safety. Instead, they found HEFAT training, experience, and other protection mechanisms more effective. They mostly noted that one of the main issues of the legal framework, alongside little accountability, is getting all actors involved in the conflict to comply with the law. The journalists who had experienced kidnapping or arrest even found it unrealistic to rely on the law when the people in front of them did not feel part of the international system. By highlighting the gap between legal protections and journalists' lived experiences, this research contributes to broader discussions on journalists' safety in conflict zones. It also offers insights to...