Media-court relations in spotlight of OSCE-supported training in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 9 June 2016 – A two-day training seminar on promoting court information for some 25 representatives of the supreme and regional courts of Kazakhstan began today in Astana.

The event is organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan and will cover best practices in court-media relations, methods of distributing and commenting on court information, media coverage of court hearings and technical interviewing skills.

With the guidance of prominent national media and communication experts, the participants will study theory and engage in practical exercises on drafting of press releases, interacting with media and promoting open channels of communication.

“The effectiveness of judicial activity largely depends on its proper coverage in the media,” said Yerbol Rakhymbekov, Judge of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan. “In this regard, openness and transparency of information is a priority for the judiciary, as designated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Sixth Congress of Judges.”

Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: “To help foster confidence in the court system, it is crucial to explain complex legal procedures in a way that is easily understood by all members of society. Failure to do so can leave the public less willing to engage the legal system to address their grievances and seek justice.”

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote the host country’s judicial and media reform efforts.