5. States shall be liable for the conduct of law enforcement, security, intelligence, military and other personnel which threatens, undermines or violates the safety of journalists and other media practitioners. 6. States shall take specific measures to ensure the safety of female journalists and media practitioners by addressing genderspecific safety concerns, including sexual and gender-based violence, intimidation and harassment. 7. In times of armed conflict, States shall respect the status of journalists and other media practitioners as non-combatants in accordance with international humanitarian law. Principle 21. Protecting reputations 1. States shall ensure that laws relating to defamation conform with the following standards: a. b. c. 2. No one shall be found liable for true statements, expressions of opinions or statements which are reasonable to make in the circumstances. Public figures shall be required to tolerate a greater degree of criticism. Sanctions shall never be so severe as to inhibit the right to freedom of expression. Privacy and secrecy laws shall not inhibit the dissemination of information of public interest. Principle 22. Criminal measures 1. States shall review all criminal restrictions of content to ensure that they are justifiable and compatible with international human rights law and standards. 2. States shall repeal laws that criminalise sedition, insult and publication of false news. 3. States shall amend criminal laws on defamation and libel in favour of civil sanctions which must themselves be necessary and proportionate. 4. The imposition of custodial sentences for the offences of defamation and libel are a violation of the right to freedom of expression. 5. Freedom of expression shall not be restricted on public order or 17