30.12.2008   

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 330/2

(1)

There is a need to better protect non-officials who are deemed to be under threat because of their contribution to or impact on the public debate. The possibility of assaults and attacks on those public figures cannot be excluded.

(2)

The protection of public figures is the responsibility of the host Member State. Protective measures of the host Member State are based solely on the legal provisions in force in that Member State and the relevant international agreements.

(3)

The European Network for the Protection of Public Figures, which was set up in 2002, could contribute to providing protection as a formal channel for communication and consultation between national Authorities.

(4)

It is therefore considered appropriate to amend Council Decision 2002/956/JHA of 28 November 2002 setting up a European Network for the Protection of Public Figures (3) so that it would also apply to non-officials who are deemed to be under threat because of their contribution to or impact on the public debate,

1.

Article 2 shall be replaced by the following:

‘Article 2

For the purposes of this Decision, “public figure” shall mean any person, either in an official capacity or in a non-official position who is deemed to be under threat because of his or her contribution to or impact on the public debate, and who, in the view of the Member State concerned, merits protection, and to whom a protection service is assigned in accordance with the national legislation of a Member State or pursuant to the regulations of an international or supranational organisation or institution.’;

2.

the following point shall be added to Article 4: