Legal intimidation and SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) are attempts to intimidate and silence public watchdogs through lengthy and expensive litigation proceedings by starting meritless lawsuits.
The partners in the Media Freedom Rapid Response and the Safe Journalists Network are deeply saddened to learn about the shocking attack on Top Channel Albania, in which a security guard was killed.
It was a scoop that packed a punch. As Ireland struggles with a grinding housing crisis that has made record numbers of people homeless, a young newspaper reporter discovered a landlord was planning a mass eviction – of an entire apartment block.
Supporting and protecting journalists and media workers in EU Member States and candidate countries.
What is the MFRR
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) tracks, monitors and reacts to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries. This project provides legal and practical support, public advocacy and information to protect journalists and media workers. The MFRR is organised by an alliance led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) including ARTICLE 19 Europe, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), International Press Institute (IPI) and CCI/Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBC Transeuropa). The project commenced in 2020 and is funded by the European Commission.
Support
The MFRR offers tangible and frontline support to journalists and media workers in EU member states, candidate countries and Ukraine who are at risk due to their work. This includes support for legal defence and opinion, emergency support such as covering travel, psychological support and family costs, offering residencies in Germany and Italy, and delivering and supporting training across the continent. This support is in place to ensure that journalists and media workers can continue their work and be protected from harm.
Monitor
The MFRR deploys a systematic and comprehensive monitoring of press and media violations in all EU member states and candidate countries to guide and direct all responses to defend press and media freedom and protect journalists and media workers. All threats can be viewed on the Mapping Media Freedom platform and form the basis of our legal, protection and advocacy work across the continent. By capturing and presenting every threat, whether legal, physical, psychological or a form of censorship, the MFRR encourages further advocacy and public support for greater protections for all journalists and media workers.
Advocate
As part of this work, the MFRR will coordinate fact-finding, advocacy and fast-response missions to source first hand documentation and information to support out work; engage with national governments, European institutions and other bodies; host public and expert events; and coordinate public campaigns to secure greater awareness and public engagement to stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers across the continent.
Reports, statements and resources
The MFRR produces statements, reports, open letters and resources to defend press and media freedom and protect journalists and media workers across EU member states and candidate countries. Visit the MFRR library to read everything the MFRR and its partners have produced
