Читать книгу Macrovictimización, abuso de poder y victimología: impactos intergeneracionales - Gema Varona Martínez - Страница 17

Considering that the spread of terror sought by terrorism is only possible if the targeted group is affected by the information72, the media have always played a fundamental role in the terrorist strategy aimed at capturing the public’s attention to achieve its goal73. Besides spreading the terrorist message, the mass mediatisation of terrorist attacks involves important risks for the respect and dignity of the victims that may suffer from additional damage because of their exposure to media74. In this respect, R. Crelinsten speaks about a “double victimization”75 by the media that tend to use the vulnerability of direct victims to increase their audience, at the expense of respect for their privacy and dignity.

The Council of Europe has repeatedly addressed the risks of media exposure of victims of terrorist attacks, stressing the obligation of the media to respect their security, privacy and dignity76. While recalling the importance of respecting the right to freedom of expression and information, the media are encouraged to adopt self-regulatory measures or codes of conduct in order to guarantee the protection of the rights of victims and prevent secondary victimization because of the media coverage of terrorist attacks77. The 2017 Guidelines on the protection of victims of terrorist acts also specify that victims should have an effective remedy when their right to privacy or family life has not been respected78. Besides, several instruments79 encourage the role of the media in strengthening the social recognition of victims of terrorism, by raising public awareness on their vulnerability and their needs.