OSCE training in Termez bridges the gap between media and courts

Finding the fine line between an engaging news story and court reporting accurately without crossing legal lines or damaging anyone’s reputation is a delicate art for any reporter. This vital balance took center stage as a two-day cluster training course titled “Justice and Legal Reporting in Media”.

The event was organized on October 19-20, 2026, in Termez, bringing together regional journalists, bloggers, and court press service representatives. The initiative was organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan in partnership with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The training opened new avenues for dialogue between the media and the judicial system. Organizers emphasize that the openness of courts and the high professionalism of reporters form the very foundation upon which public trust and the transparency of justice are built.

Participants dived deep into the subject alongside distinguished international experts: media freedom researcher and expert Olena Cherniavska, and Lithuania’s Media Ombudsman Dainius Radzevičius. The program was heavily focused on practical application. Experts and participants explored international standards of transparency, learned to balance the public’s right to know with the presumption of innocence, and navigated tricky pitfalls like defamation risks.

Moving beyond dry theory, the sessions featured real-case breakdowns, secrets to building reliable sources, fact-checking methods, and ways to translate complex legal jargon into clear language everyone can understand. The intensive training wrapped up with a practical hands-on session and a formal certificate-awarding ceremony, laying a strong foundation for continued cooperation between media professionals and the judiciary.

UzA