Serbia: Media freedom continues to decline at alarming speed,…

Serbia: Media freedom continues to decline at alarming speed, EU must take action

The undersigned journalists and media freedom organisations are profoundly appalled by the new attacks against journalists across Serbia, many of which are perpetrated by state representatives and law enforcement authorities. The situation of emergency of media freedom in Serbia – as assessed by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) during its April solidarity mission – has not only persisted but significantly deteriorated at alarming speed, despite our repeated warnings and recommendations.

11.07.2025

As of 11 July, the Mapping Media Freedom platform, has documented a total of 95 cases of press freedom violations against 184 journalists, media outlets, and journalists associations in the last six months. This is an unprecedented figure compared to previous years.

The entire media system is affected: individual journalists have been physically assaulted, publicly smeared, threatened, dismissed, or pressured to resign. At the same time, the ongoing process to elect new members of the Council of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) has flagged significant concerns regarding the impartiality of the process and the risk of political capture skewing how the media sector is regulated. In this context, the undersigned journalists and media freedom organisations sound the alarm: the time for warning is over, international action is urgently needed.

As regards the latest European Commission’s Rule of Law report on Serbia, it falls considerably short of capturing the severity of the situation. The undersigned organisations urge that persistent intimidation and violence can no longer be observed as business as usual.

Violence during protests coverage by law enforcement officers

The role of the police is a growing concern, as law enforcement authorities have shifted from inaction to direct confrontation with protesters and journalists, routinely resorting to excessive force, including physical assaults and arbitrary arrests.

Over the past weeks, at least 11 media workers covering ongoing student-led protests have been physically assaulted despite being identified as press. During the large protest of 28 June, which was defined by disproportionate use of force by the police against protesters, numerous journalists were injured by the police, who used batons, riot shields, and tear gas. As most incidents are not investigated, most perpetrators are never brought to justice. To address this climate of impunity, we urge state authorities to conduct swift, independent, and thorough investigations into each of these assaults.

While the EU has called for the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to free assembly and the right to free expression, as it relates to the protests and policing, it has so far failed to specifically address the alarming rise in violence against journalists.

Regarding the EC’s 2025 Rule of Law Report on Serbia, the undersigned organisations express alarm at the very limited attention given to the safety of journalists, which, in the light of escalating threats, warrants far greater scrutiny and prioritization. The current approach risks downplaying the gravity of the situation.

President Aleksandar Vučić’s dangerous rhetoric against the independent press

Since the 1 November tragedy, Vučić has repeatedly targeted the independent press. By labelling N1 and Nova S reporting as “pure terrorism,” and attempting to prompt the Prosecutor’s Office into action, the President’s behaviour puts independent voices, already at risk due to their critical reporting, at further risk. This followed both channels being removed from the satellite television service EON SAT (Total TV), which had recently been sold to Telekom Srbija, which is partly owned by the Serbian state. While the President denied the removal, he stated that both channels could be shut down within “five minutes.” As a result of Vučić’s statements about the channels, N1 was the target of further online death threats.

The undersigned organisations further condemn the recent smear campaign launched by the newly formed pro-government Association of Journalists of Serbia (ANS) against the EFJ affiliate and MFRR partner, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS). That a journalist organisation can be weaponised to direct such abuse undermines the tireless efforts of media representatives in supporting independent journalists and their reporting of the protests.

Purge in several media outlets of journalists defending the profession

Against this backdrop, the dismissal of journalists and media workers in a number of publications and outlets who have been reportedly targeted with threats, acts of censorship, and warnings of dismissal for their defence of their profession or for voicing support for the ongoing protests is of significant concern. We are worried that political motives may have informed the dismissal decisions at publications such as Euronews Serbia, ELLE Serbia, Večernje Novosti, and Politika. Calls for appropriate compensation for those dismissed and inquiries into the publications’ handling of these dismissals were requested via the CoE platform for the Safety of Journalists. The situation at the public broadcaster RTS continues to be a matter of concern. Contracts were not renewed for at least temporary workers at the public broadcaster who, along with numerous other employees, signed an open letter advocating for objective reporting.

REM election process fails to follow EU-required reform

The appointment process to the Council of the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), Serbia’s most important media regulator, was again conducted in a flawed manner, defined by many as lacking the necessary transparency and independence. Twice this year, independent candidates and nominating organisations withdrew from the process due to widespread complaints of procedural irregularities that have benefited those affiliated with the Government. This not only violates Article 10 of the Law on Electronic Media but also demonstrates once again how Serbian authorities continue to ignore EU-mandated reforms of the REM Council.

Therefore, these new alarming developments require a strong reaction from the European Commission to address attacks on public interest journalism and freedoms in Serbia. The Commission should reaffirm its rule of law requirements through clear demands, statements, and concrete action to de-escalate this situation of emergency before press freedom falls entirely under repression.

The European Commission should ensure that achieving tangible progress on human rights is at the center of any decisions to disburse EU funding under IPA III and the Growth and Reform Facility. Further EU funding should also be directed to promoting civil society and independent media. The EU should insist on the meaningful involvement of civil society and journalists’ organisations in the monitoring and tracking of Serbia’s delivery on these commitments.

Finally, we would like to express once again our solidarity with journalists and media workers across Serbia who, despite an increasingly challenging work environment, continue to inform the public.

Signed by:

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
International Press Institute (IPI)
ARTICLE 19 Europe
Association of European Journalists (AEJ)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Index on Censorship
PEN International

This statement was coordinated by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

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Shadow Report on Media Freedom in North Macedonia

09.07.2025

This shadow report offers an updated overview of North Macedonia’s media landscape. It highlights both positive developments and persisting or emerging challenges. The report also includes a set of recommendations addressed to national authorities and EU stakeholders, urging decisive action to uphold media freedom in line with European and international standards.

By: OBCT and Metamorphosis Foundation

Read the Report

This report was published by the OBCT and Metamorphosis Foundation, as part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

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Turkey: MFRR partners alarmed by state-backed attacks on Leman…

Turkey: MFRR partners alarmed by state-backed attacks on Leman magazine

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners strongly condemn the arrest of four staff members of Leman, one of Türkiye’s leading satirical magazines, and express deep concern over the ongoing judicial, economic, and physical pressure targeting the publication following the release of a cartoon deemed offensive by religious and conservative groups.

08.07.2025

Türkçe açıklama aşağıdadır…

The cartoon, published in Leman’s June 26 issue, depicted two men named Muhammad and Moses greeting each other above a bombed city. The magazine clarified that the cartoon was intended as a criticism of Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, and did not represent religious figures, and denied any intent to insult sacred values. Despite this explanation, a massive backlash ensued, including official condemnation, violent protests, legal actions, and threats of closure.

On June 26, Leman published the cartoon in its weekly edition. Over the next three days, online outrage spread with over 345,000 social media posts on X using the hashtag #LemanDergisiKapatılsın. Senior political and religious figures — including the President, Minister of Interior, Minister of Justice, and Governor of Istanbul — publicly denounced the magazine.

On July 1, hundreds of angry protesters gathered outside Leman’s Istanbul headquarters, attacking the building and prompting police intervention with rubber bullets and tear gas. Protesters chanted: “We will do anything for our Prophet. We will die, we will kill!”

A criminal investigation was launched under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code for incitement to hatred and enmity and openly insulting religious values, and four staff—Zafer Aknar (editor-in-chief), Cebrail Okçu (graphic designer), Doğan Pehlevan (cartoonist), and Ali Yavuz (manager)— were detained, with the aggressive use of rear-handcuffing.

On July 2, all four were formally arrested, facing charges including “inciting public hatred and enmity” and “insulting religious values”, and in Dogan Pehlevan’s case, an additional accusation of insulting the President was reported.

A financial investigation was also initiated against Leman, and arrest warrants were issued for the owner, currently based in France, as well as another senior manager. Authorities are investigating potential foreign financial support, aligning with the controversial “agent of influence” bill targeting foreign-funded entities.

In parallel, a court ordered the confiscation of the June 26 print issue and imposed a nationwide access ban on Leman’s official website, further escalating censorship against the outlet.

Another concerning development is the July 3 decision of Turkey’s broadcast regulator to impose an administrative fine and suspend five programs for “violation of national and moral values” against Sözcü TV for a commentary on the LeMan cartoon by economics expert Dr. Murat Kubilay. RTÜK justified this decision by explaining that Kubilay’s statement “divides society into enlightened and reactionary groups” and “fuels polarisation”.

This campaign of judicial harassment represents a grave violation of press freedom and demonstrates how Turkish authorities continue to weaponise criminal and administrative law to silence independent media.

This case is emblematic of the broader decline of press freedom in Turkey, where authorities have consistently used politically motivated prosecutions, economic pressure, and public smear campaigns to target critical and independent voices.

The MFRR partners call for the immediate release of all detained Leman staff and for all charges related to the cartoon to be dropped. We urge Turkish authorities to end the political, legal, and financial harassment of the magazine and to uphold their obligation to ensure the safety of its journalists and staff.

Signed by:

International Press Institute (IPI)
ARTICLE 19 Europe
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

IPI ve MFRR paydaşları, Leman Dergisi’nin hedef alınmasını kınıyor

Medya Özgürlüğü Acil Müdahale (MFRR) paydaşları olarak Türkiye’nin önde gelen mizah dergilerinden Leman’ın dört çalışanının tutuklanmasını şiddetle kınıyoruz. Muhafazakâr grupların rahatsız edici olduğunu iddia ettiği bir karikatürün yayımlanmasının ardından dergiye yönelik hukuki, mali ve fiziki baskılar fazlasıyla endişe verici.

Leman’ın 26 Haziran tarihli sayısında yayımlanan karikatürde Muhammed ve Musa adında iki kişi, bombalanan bir şehrin üzerinde birbirlerine selam veriyor. Leman’ın açıklamasında karikatürün, İsrail’in Gazze saldırılarını eleştirmek üzere çizildiği, dini figürleri temsil ya da kutsal değerleri aşağılama amacı güdülmediği belirtildi. Açıklamaya rağmen büyümeye devam eden tepkiler bakanların sosyal medya paylaşımlarıyla başladı; şiddet içerikli protestolar, yasal işlem yapılması ve derginin kapatılması tehditleriyle devam etti.

Leman, sonraki üç gün boyunca sosyal medyada yoğun bir öfkenin hedefi haline geldi ve X platformunda #LemanDergisiKapatılsın etiketiyle 345 binden fazla paylaşım yapıldı. Cumhurbaşkanı, İçişleri Bakanı, Adalet Bakanı ve İstanbul Valisi gibi üst düzey siyasi isimlerin yanı sıra dini yetkililer de dergiyi alenen kınadı.

1 Temmuz’da ise yüzlerce öfkeli protestocu, Leman’ın İstanbul’daki binası önünde toplandı. Binaya saldırıların başlamasının ardından polis plastik mermi ve biber gazıyla müdahale etti. Protestocular, “Peygamberimiz için her şeyi yaparız. Ölürüz, öldürürüz!” sloganları attı.

Olayların ardından “halkı kin ve düşmanlığa tahrik” ve “dini değerleri alenen aşağılama” suçlamalarıyla dergi hakkında adli soruşturma başlatıldı. Yazı işleri müdürü Zafer Aknar, grafiker Cebrail Okçu, karikatürist Doğan Pehlevan ve müessese müdürü Ali Yavuz, ters kelepçeyle gözaltına alındı.

2 Temmuz’da ise dört çalışan da “halkı kin ve düşmanlığa tahrik” ve “dini değerleri aşağılama” suçlamalarıyla tutuklandı. Doğan Pehlevan ayrıca “cumhurbaşkanına hakaret” ile de suçlandı.

Ayrıca, dergi hakkında bir mali soruşturma da başlatıldı. Leman’ın Fransa’da yaşayan sahibi ve bir üst düzey yöneticisi hakkında yakalama kararı çıkarıldı. Karikatür dergisinin yabancı kaynaklardan mali destek alıp almadığının araştırılması, yurt dışından fon alan kuruluşlara yönelik yönelik tartışmalı “etki ajanlığı” yasa tasarısıyla da paralellikler taşıyor.

Aynı gün İstanbul Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı Leman’ın 26 Haziran tarihli sayının toplatılmasına karar verdi. Ayrıca İstanbul 5. Sulh Ceza Hakimliği, derginin internet sitesine Türkiye genelinde erişim engeli getirerek dergiyi sansürlemeye yönelik girişimlere bir yenisini ekledi.

Endişe verici bir diğer gelişmeyse, 3 Temmuz’da yayın denetleme kurumu RTÜK’ün, ekonomist Dr. Murat Kubilay’ın karikatürle ilgili yorumları nedeniyle Sözcü TV’ye idari para cezası ve beş programlık yayın durdurma cezası vermesi oldu. RTÜK, “toplumu aydınlanmacılar ve gericiler diye ikiye ayırma” ve “kutuplaşmayı körükleme” gerekçeleriyle bu kararı aldığını açıkladı.

Yargının suistimal edildiği bu tür kampanyalar, ağır basın özgürlüğü ihlali sayılır ve Türkiye’deki yetkililerin bağımsız medyayı susturmak amacıyla cezai ve idari hukuku bir silah olarak kullanmaya devam ettiğini gösteriyor.

Yaşananlar, Türkiye’de basın özgürlüğünün nasıl gerilediğinin sembolik bir örneği. Yetkililer siyasi soruşturma, mali baskı ve kuruluşları kamuoyu önünde karalayan kampanyalarla eleştirel ve bağımsız sesleri hedef almaya devam ediyor.

MFRR paydaşları, tutuklanan tüm Leman çalışanlarının derhal serbest bırakılmasını ve karikatürle ilgili tüm suçlamaların düşürülmesini talep ediyor. Yetkilileri dergiye yönelik siyasi, hukuki ve mali tacizlere son vermeye, gazete ve çalışanlarının güvenliğini sağlama yükümlülüklerini yerine getirmeye davet ediyoruz.

İmzalayanlar:

Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI)
ARTICLE 19
Avrupa Basın ve Medya Özgürlüğü Merkezi (ECPMF)
Avrupa Gazeteciler Federasyonu (EFJ)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

Bu açıklama, Avrupa Komisyonu tarafından finanse edilen ve AB Üye Devletleri ile aday ülkelerdeki basın ve medya özgürlüğü ihlâllerini belgeleyen Avrupa çapında bir mekanizma olan Medya Özgürlüğü Acil Müdahale (MFRR) kapsamında Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI) tarafından hazırlanmıştır.

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Finland: Appeal court verdict on Helsingin Sanomat state secrets…

Finland: Appeal court verdict on Helsingin Sanomat state secrets case sends a chilling message

Alarm after journalist given suspended prison sentence for unpublished article.

02.07.2025

The International Press Institute (IPI) and its Finnish National Committee express alarm over the recent verdict by the Court of Appeal in Finland to uphold the suspended prison sentence and fine handed down to two journalists from leading daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat over their reporting on the country’s military intelligence services.

IPI and its Finnish Committee stress that the verdict by the Helsinki Court of Appeal against Tuomo Pietiläinen and Laura Halminen poses serious questions for the freedom of the press in Finland and the use of national security arguments to restrict public-interest reporting Particularly concerning is that part of the verdict concerned an unpublished article.

On 1 July, the appeal court confirmed the 2023 conviction of the two journalists by the lower Helsinki District Court and found them guilty of “revealing a security secret” through their reporting of classified information, which had centred on the Finnish Defence Forces’ Signal Testing Centre and military intelligence operations. Disclosing a security secret is classified as a crime of treason under Finnish law.

The appeal court also overturned one element of the lower court’s verdict and additionally found the journalists guilty of “attempting to reveal a security secret”. As the journalists had drafted a follow-up article for publication, they were charged under a clause of Finland’s national security law of “attempting” to reveal classified information – even though it was never actually published by the newspaper.

In its verdict, the court upheld the four-month suspended prison sentence handed down to Pietiläinen, who wrote the article, and the fine for Halminen, who had contributed to the piece. Both have since left the newspaper. It also upheld the acquittal of Kalle Silfverberg, the editor of the political department at the time. Prosecutors had demanded prison sentences for all three journalists.

“Today’s verdict risks a chilling effect on journalistic reporting on national security in Finland and raises questions about protections for media freedom in Finland”, said IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen. “While courts can be asked to strike a balance between journalistic freedom and national security, in this case the court recognized the public interest nature of the reporting and found no evidence of concrete harm. IPI believes that this criminal sentencing is disproportionate and not justified by the facts of the case.

“We are particularly concerned by the fact that a journalist can be given a prison sentence for simply writing – not even publishing – an article which handles classified information, which poses a clear risk to the standard process of investigative journalism.”

Anne Leppäjärvi, the chair of IPI’s Finnish National Committee, said: “The key point is that the part of the verdict was based on unpublished drafts and resulted in a suspended prison sentence. The chilling effect on investigative journalism is quite evident.

“The verdict raises the question of how unfamiliar the journalistic process is to our legal system. The case also sets a dangerous precedent where journalists can be prosecuted simply for drafting articles based on sensitive information or working on unreleased materials.

“Finland has long been proud of its democracy and press freedom, and instead of defending these values, such rulings risk eroding them.”

IPI said it supported the appeal of the case to the Finnish Supreme Court.

Lengthy criminal trial

The criminal case began in December 2017 when Helsingin Sanomat started to publish a series of articles on plans to give Finland’s security services greater powers to carry out surveillance and covert operations domestically and abroad. The articles – now known as the Viestikoekeskus case – centred on the operations of the Finnish Defence Intelligence Agency. The basis of the reporting was taken from classified information that had been acquired by Helsingin Sanomat.

On December 17, 2017, police raided the apartment of Halminen, seizing her computer as well as flash drives. Only four years later did prosecutors first announce the charges for disclosure and attempted disclosure of state secrets. All three journalists faced between four months to four years in prison.

The newspaper and the defence lawyers of the two journalists always maintained that the articles did not contain any state secrets, that the information was years old at the time of publication, and that all information that was published in the story was available in public sources. The defendants denied all charges and maintained their innocence throughout the years-long court process.

The Finnish Defence Forces was made aware that Helsingin Sanomat was investigating their intelligence operations and were provided detailed information on what the newspaper planned to publish. The intelligence authorities did not reach out to the editorial management of Helsingin Sanomat prior to publication to request the information not be published.

In the initial lower court verdict – which IPI criticised at the time – Helsingin Sanomat was ordered to remove the article from their website, which it compiled with. The District Court had initially acquitted all three defendants of “attempting to reveal a security secret”.

Though the two journalists who worked on the articles were charged, neither the newspaper’s management team nor the editor-in-chief at the time were charged in relation with the publication. The verdict rules therefore that journalists can be held liable for publishing security secrets, even if the actual publication decision is made by the editorial team’s senior management.

In the latest verdict, the appeal court concluded that no evidence of concrete harm or danger to the interests of national defence or state security was identified. However, it adjudged that the article and draft had been aimed simply at revealing security secrets rather than adequately contributing to public debate, and argued the prioritisation of national security justifications did not represent a restriction of freedom of expression.

“The disclosure of security secrets or their attempted disclosure had instead posed a concrete threat to freedom of expression and the other fundamental and human rights that Finland’s national security seeks to protect. Thus, Finland’s external security overrode the defendants’ freedom of expression in these circumstances,” the ruling states.

This statement by IPI is part of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), a Europe-wide mechanism which tracks, monitors and responds to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries.

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Slovakia: Media capture deepens as government tightens grip on…

Slovakia: Media capture deepens as government tightens grip on public and private media

Systematic dismantling of media freedom in Slovakia demands urgent EU action.

27.06.2025

IPI’s global network today raises alarm over Slovakia’s ongoing and steady decline in media freedom. In recent months, the Slovak government has tightened its grip on the media by intensifying its control over the public broadcaster STVR and enacting the restrictive so-called “anti-NGO” law. Slovakia’s leading commercial broadcaster, TV Markíza, has also come under political influence following the departure of its union leaders.

IPI urges the Slovak government to end its undemocratic pressure on independent journalism and to respect the independence of the public broadcaster. Furthermore, we call on the European Union to closely monitor developments on press freedom in Slovakia, and to respond robustly to further threats to free and independent journalism in both public and private media.

In early May, a 7–2 majority of the current public broadcaster STVR’s oversight Council elected Martina Flašíková, the daughter of a political strategist for the ruling Smer party and a close government ally, as director general in a closed-door vote. Journalists and members of the public were excluded from the election process, despite constitutional guarantees of public access to such hearings.

The government’s campaign to take control over public service media began with a 30% budget cut to Radio and Television Slovakia (RTVS) imposed by Parliament at the start of 2024. The Ministry of Culture then pushed through a new media law,which replaced the public broadcaster Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS) with a new entity, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR). The bill, approved by the President in June 2024, represented a clear attempt to restrict the editorial independence of the broadcasters.

Under the law, the former public broadcaster RTVS saw its Director General, Luboš Machaj, who was elected by Parliament to serve until 2027, replaced by an interim director nominated by the Speaker of Parliament based on an agreement of the ruling coalition. The RTVS Board was immediately disbanded.

IPI warns that Flašíková’s appointment, which lacked transparency, represents a clear step by the ruling coalition to install a political ally to the management of the country’s public broadcaster, with the aim of exerting greater control over editorial policy. This poses a major threat to the independent functioning and professionalism of STVR moving forward, in clear violation of requirements set out under the upcoming European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

In May 2025, Viktor Vincze, a well-known Slovak television presenter, announced that he would no longer be anchoring ‘Televízne noviny’, the evening news programme on TV Markíza — the most-watched news show in Slovakia, and was leaving Markiza.

Vincze told IPI that he was forced to resign after management removed him from his anchor role and asked him to move to a new digital channel for many more hours of work, but no more pay. This decision followed months of management pressure on him for his role leading the journalists union formed a year earlier to protect the editorial integrity of the newsroom. Vince said he was taking a case against TV Markiza for constructive dismissal.

TV Markiza has been under increasing pressure since the formation of the new government in September 2023. In November, Prime Minister Róbert Fico accused the TV station of being part of the “enemy media” and quickly threatened to cut contracts for state advertising in Markíza’s broadcasting.

A few weeks later, the station changed its director of news and introduced tighter editorial procedures for approving news content which led to significant newsroom protests in early 2024. Markiza journalists claimed that the independence of the newsroom was being curtailed and that political coverage was being stifled in order to appease the government.

With the departure of Vincze and other union members, concerns are growing that Markiza is abandoning its critical watchdog reporting on the ruling coalition.

Finally, Slovakia’s restrictive law requiring NGOs to prepare transparency reports and disclose information related to the management of public funds was passed in April and took effect on June 1. Under the law, non-profit organisations, foundations and associations with an annual income exceeding €35,000 are required to submit such a report.

The law, introduced amid growing hostility toward media and civil society from the government, poses a serious threat due to its restrictive nature, the unnecessary administrative burden it places on NGOs and independent media which operate with an NGO status, and the potential for more repressive amendments in the future.

Though the final text of the bill was watered down in the final legislative phase under pressure from the EU, IPI reiterates its condemnation of the law and calls for its repeal.

The steady erosion of media freedom, alongside the dismantling of democratic freedoms in Slovakia, cannot be ignored. We urge the European Union to ensure the steady erosion of media freedom in Slovakia by the Fico government does not go under the radar, to directly criticise and address the democratic backsliding, and to use all measures to defend journalists’ rights and media freedom. The EU’s response will be pivotal in preserving media pluralism and reversing media capture in the country.

Slovakia is facing not only the effective capture of the public broadcaster but also mounting pressure on private media, in particular, one of the country’s most important news providers, TV Markiza.

Allgemein

Civil Society Open Letter in Response to Recent Spyware…

Civil Society Open Letter in Response to Recent Spyware Abuse Cases in the EU

On behalf of the Spyware Coordination Group, a coalition of civil society and journalist organisations advocating for transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights in relation to spyware technologies, we call on European Union (EU) Institutions to take concrete action to respond to the growing threat posed by spyware, to enhance the security and resilience of our digital infrastructure and European cyberspace and address the proliferation of commercial spyware capabilities in the European Internal Market.

26.06.2025

Spyware use and development still unchecked in the EU

Earlier this year, media reports revealed that several Italian journalists and human rights activists had been targeted with Graphite—a spyware developed by Paragon Solutions. According to reports, the victims had become aware of the targeting following an official notification of the intrusion by WhatsApp. This led the Italian authorities to launch an official investigation. In its March and June reports, the Citizen Lab confirmed these allegations and provided further evidence that the Graphite spyware may have been acquired and deployed in several Member States, including Italy, Denmark and Cyprus, likely affecting a higher number of victims than the 90 targets officially notified by WhatsApp. Concerningly, the reports also highlight a pattern of targeting human rights groups, government critics, and journalists, underlining the need for coordinated EU action to address these violations and protect fundamental rights in line with international and regional standards.

Several Member States, including Spain, Italy, Cyprus, have reportedly emerged as key hubs for the spyware industry, with a high concentration of vendors operating from these countries. The absence of a regulatory framework at the EU level, combined with the fragmentation of national legislation and varying degrees of regulatory oversight among Member States, has facilitated the establishment of certain jurisdictions as preferred entry points for the spyware industry within the EU Internal Market, as recognised by the European Parliament’s Recommendations of 15 June 2023 and the Commission’s White Paper on export controls published in 2024. This development raises significant concerns regarding the trade and proliferation of commercial spyware within the EU, as well as its potential human rights implications.

Urgent need of EU action

Given the risk posed by spyware to fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, rule of law, public debate, media freedom and pluralism, and the integrity of civic spaces, we respectfully urge EU Institutions to prioritise immediate policy and regulatory actions to address the challenges of commercial spyware. We are particularly concerned that spyware technologies, which disproportionately interfere with fundamental rights and for which no safeguards are adequate to prevent and redress harms to human rights, are simply too invasive to ever be compliant with International Human Rights Law (IHRL), as underscored by the European Data Protection Supervisor and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism. Hence, European action should include the swift introduction of red lines in order to be aligned with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The Pall Mall Process should be complemented by action at the EU level

The Pall Mall Process, an “iterative multi-stakeholder initiative” launched in 2024 by France and the UK, claims to tackle the threat posed by the proliferation and “irresponsible use” of commercial cyber capabilities. As part of this process, 25 countries, of which 18 are EU Member States have recently adopted a non-binding Code of practice for States through which signatories have committed to collaborate to “prevent irresponsible activity across the global cyber intrusion market and mitigate the threats presented by the proliferation and irresponsible use of” spyware. A similar declaration of intent was led by the U.S. in their Joint Statement on Efforts to Counter the Proliferation and Misuse of Commercial Spyware – endorsed by 23 States, including 10 Member States. While these objectives may outline good intentions and provide a voluntary multi-stakeholder forum in which to discuss the issue of spyware, the approach adopted within the Pall Mall process risks legitimising certain surveillance technologies and uses that are inherently incompatible with international human rights law. Although multilateral action to curb the spyware market is necessary, these initiatives are inadequate to fully prevent the proliferation and use of spyware.

Going beyond these initiatives, and echoing the Parliament’s recommendations, we urge the EU Institutions to take a coordinated and transparent regulatory action – particularly in areas that fall squarely within the competence of the EU, such as fundamental rights and rule of law, EU single market regulation, export controls and cybersecurity – during this term, ensuring the protection of the rule of law, and fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter and European Convention on Human Rights.

The absence of a coordinated EU response is creating critical gaps in relation to the trade of these tools and the management of cybersecurity vulnerabilities that incentivise the proliferation of commercial spyware and their unlawful use by Governments. The EU can provide the necessary political momentum, regulatory coherence, and oversight to turn national pledges made by Member States through the Pall Mall Code of Practice into an effective, union-wide response that upholds democratic values and fundamental rights.

To address these pressing concerns and safeguard fundamental rights, we call for the following immediate actions:

● the publication of the long-overdue Commission communication to clarify the boundaries between EU law, in particular the data protection, privacy and rule of law acquis, and national security.
● the Commission’s formal engagement in the Pall Mall process and participation in all international and regional efforts to address the threat posed by commercial spyware.
● the full implementation of the PEGA Committee’s recommendations, including those pertaining to areas falling under EU competence such as internal market regulation, cybersecurity vulnerability management, export controls, EU cybersecurity and resilience and ensuring that Member States provide effective remedies for victims.
● continued commitment from the EU Parliament to advance the work of the PEGA Committee within the relevant Committees and leverage all available resources to further policy development in this area.

We stand ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with you and offer our expertise to support the development of policies that will effectively combat spyware use and strengthen the EU digital infrastructure. We are confident that under your leadership, the European Union can take decisive action to respect and protect fundamental rights, uphold the rule of law, and address the challenges posed by the use of spyware technologies.

Signed by:

Access Now
Amnesty International
ARTICLE 19
Centre for Democracy and Technology Europe
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties)
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
Epicenter.works – for digital rights
European Digital Rights (EDRi)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
Privacy International

Allgemein

Kosovo: Steadfast support for Flutura Kusari as she seeks…

Kosovo: Steadfast support for Flutura Kusari as she seeks justice against Mentor Llugaliu’s harassment

The undersigned Media Freedom Rapid Response partners and Council of Europe Safety of Journalists Platform members express support for their colleague Flutura Kusari, Senior Legal Advisor at the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), ahead of her forthcoming legal action against Mentor Llugaliu. We call on the Basic Prosecution of Prishtina in Kosovo to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into the case.

Në gjuhën shqipe më poshtë

20.06.2025

On March 21, 2025, Kusari filed a criminal report against Mentor Llugaliu, an online activist and supporter of Kosovo’s ruling party, the Vetevendosje Movement, accusing him of harassment and intimidation directed at her and her family.

The harassment spanned three years, from December 2021 to February 2025, during which Llugaliu published at least 101 Facebook posts that attracted widespread public attention, accumulating over 42,000 likes, 700 shares, and 2,200 comments. Llugaliu’s social media activity, marked by derogatory language, have caused significant distress to Kusari and her family.

The harassment began in 2021 after Kusari monitored, on behalf of the ECPMF, the election of board members for Kosovo’s public broadcaster (RTK) by Kosovo Assembly, advocating for the selection of politically independent members. Llugaliu, a supporter of the ruling party, had applied for a position but was unsuccessful. While Kusari never specifically mentioned Llugaliu in her remarks, his posts suggest that he blames her for his failure. Many of his posts were derogatory and inflammatory, targeting Kusari, accusing her of influencing political decisions.

The Kosovo Law Institute has assisted Kusari in drafting the criminal complaint. Drawing from the past rulings in similar cases, they believe this represents one of the most severe instances of online harassment against female activists in Kosovo.

According to Ms. Kusari, the three-year-long and obsessive online harassment and stalking by the political activist and defendant Llugaliu has been carried out as an act of revenge for her activism in monitoring RTK. His aim is to dehumanize her and drive her and other active women out of public life.

In his posts, Llugaliu refers to Kusari using the derogatory term “Mickoja”, meaning “Mosquito”, seemingly to evade account suspensions by Facebook. The abuse escalated as he began targeting members of Kusari’s family, including her husband and mother, with the most disturbing comment being of sexual nature.

According to Ms. Kusari, the three-year-long and obsessive online harassment and stalking by Llugaliu has been carried out as an act of revenge for her activism in monitoring Kosovo Public Broadcaster. His goal is to dehumanize her and to push her and other active women out of public life. She has requested the Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina to criminally prosecute Llugaliu for harassment, as provided in Article 182 of the Kosovo Criminal Code.

Our organisations stand in solidarity with Flutura Kusari and urge the Chief Prosecutor of the Prishtina Prosecution, Zejnullah Gashi and the responsible prosecutor, to ensure this case is investigated swiftly and impartially. As a crucial case for combating online harassment of free expression advocates, especially women activists, the undersigned MFRR partners and Council of Europe Platform members will closely monitor the proceedings. We hope the case will proceed to court promptly and lead to an outcome which will mark an important step in the fight against online abuse targeting women.

Signed by:

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
International Press Institute (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
ARTICLE 19 Europe
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
PEN International
Index on Censorship
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Association of European Journalists (AEJ)
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Justice for Journalists Foundation

Kosovë: Mbështetje e palëkundur për Flutura Kusarin ndërsa ajo po kërkon drejtësi për ngacmimin nga Mentor Llugaliu

Ne, organizatat e poshtënënshkruara, pjesë e Media Freedom Rapid Response dhe të Platformës së Këshillit të Europës për Sigurinë e Gazetarëve, shprehim mbështetjen tonë të plotë për kolegen tonë Flutura Kusari, këshilltaren e lartë ligjore në Qendrën Evropiane për Lirinë e Shtypit dhe të Medias (ECPMF), në prag të fillimit të procedurave penale kundër të pandehurit Mentor Llugaliu.

Ne i bëjmë thirrje Prokurorisë Themelore në Prishtinë që të ndërmarrë dhe garantojë hetim të shpejtë, të paanshëm dhe të plotë të këtij rasti.

Më 21 mars 2025, znj. Kusari ka ushtruar pranë Prokurorisë Themelore në Prishtinë kallëzim penal kundër të pandehurit Mentor Llugaliu, një aktivisti në rrjete sociale dhe përkrahësi të partisë në pushtet, Lëvizjes Vetëvendosje. Ajo e akuzon atë për ngacmim dhe frikësim sistematik ndaj saj dhe familjes së saj.

Ngacmimi ka zgjatur për tre vjet, nga dhjetori 2021 deri në shkurt 2025, gjatë së cilës periudhë Llugaliu ka publikuar të paktën 101 postime në facebook, të cilat tërhoqën vëmendje të gjerë publike, duke mbledhur mbi 42,000 pëlqime, 700 shpërndarje dhe 2,200 komente. Aktiviteti i tij në rrjete sociale, i shoqëruar me gjuhë denigruese ndaj saj, ka shkaktuar shqetësim të thellë për znj. Kusari dhe familjen e saj.

Në postimet e tij, Llugaliu i referohet Kusarit me termin përçmues “Mickoja” në mënyrë që t’i ikë bllokimit të llogarisë së tij nga ana e facebook-ut.

Ngacmimi është përshkallëzuar më tej kur ai filloi të shënjestrojë anëtarët e familjes së saj, përfshirë bashkëshortin dhe nënën e saj, me një koment veçanërisht shqetësues me përmbajtje të natyrës seksuale.

Ngacmimi ka filluar në vitin 2021, pasi znj. Kusari, në emër të ECPMF-së, kishte monitoruar procesin e përzgjedhjes së anëtarëve të bordit të Transmetuesit Publik të Kosovës (RTK) nga Kuvendi i Kosovës, duke mbështetur dhe avokuar për përzgjedhjen e anëtarëve të pavarur politikisht.

Llugaliu, një përkrahës i partisë në pushtet, kishte aplikuar për një vend në bord, por nuk ishte përzgjedhur. Edhe pse znj. Kusari nuk e ka përmendur ndonjëherë të pandehurin Llugaliu me emër, në bazë të postimeve të tij, ai e fajëson atë për dështimin e tij që të bëhet anëtar i bordit.

Shumë nga postimet e tij janë poshtëruese dhe nxitëse, duke e targetuar vazhdimisht znj. Kusari dhe duke e akuzuar për ndikim në vendime politike.

Instituti i Kosovës për Drejtësi (IKD) e ka ndihmuar znj. Kusari për përgatitjen e kallëzimit penal kundër të pandehurit Llugaliu. Sipas IKD-së, bazuar në vendime të tjera që kanë të bëjnë me veprën penale të ngacmimit, ky është një nga rastet më të rënda dhe më të mëdha të ngacmimit online ndaj një aktivisteje grua në Kosovë.

Sipas znj. Kusari, ngacmimi dhe përndjekja trevjeçare online dhe në mënyrë obsesive nga aktivisti politik dhe i pandehuri Llugaliu është bërë në shenjë hakmarrjeje për aktivizmin e saj në monitorimin e RTK-së. Ai synon dehumanizimin dhe largimin e saj dhe të grave tjera aktive nga jeta publike.

Ajo ka kërkuar nga Prokuroria Themelore e Prishtinës që të ndjekë penalisht të pandehurin Llugaliu për veprën e ngacmimit, siç parashikohet në nenin 182 të Kodit Penal të Kosovës.

Ne shprehim solidaritet me Flutura Kusarin dhe i bëjmë thirrje kryeprokurorit të Prokurorisë Themelore në Prishtinë, z. Zejnullah Gashi, si dhe prokurorit përgjegjës, që të garantojnë një hetim të shpejtë dhe të paanshëm të këtij rasti.

Si një rast thelbësor në luftën kundër ngacmimit online ndaj mbrojtësve të fjalës së lirë, sidomos atyre gra, ne organizatat ndërkombëtare që e kemi nënshkruar këtë letër do të monitorojmë nga afër këtë rast.

Shpresojmë që kallëzimi penal do të çojë në një rezultat që do të shënojë një hap të rëndësishëm në luftën kundër abuzimit online të grave.

Organizatat nënshkruese të letrës mbështetëse:

Qendra Evropiane për Lirinë e Shtypit dhe të Medias (ECPMF)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
Instituti Ndërkombëtar i Shtypit (IPI)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
ARTICLE 19 Europe
Federata Evropiane e Gazetarëve (EFJ)
Federata Ndërkombëtare e Gazetarëve (IFJ)
PEN International
Index on Censorship
Reporterët pa Kufij (RSF)
Shoqata e Gazetarëve Evropianë (AEJ)
Komiteti për Mbrojtjen e Gazetarëve (CPJ)
Justice for Journalists Foundation

Allgemein

Reforms without Protection: The Shrinking Space for Journalism in…

Reforms without Protection: The Shrinking Space for Journalism in Croatia

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium today publishes an updated report on the state of media freedom in Croatia following an advocacy mission to Zagreb between 19 to 21 May 2025.

11 June 2025

The purpose of the mission was to assess the government’s progress in implementing recommendations made following the MFRR online fact-finding mission in September 2024, and to identify new and emerging threats to media freedom and independent journalism.

During the three-day visit, the delegation engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including journalists, publishers, media leaders, representatives from journalist associations and unions, and key institutional actors such as the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, and the Agency for Electronic Media, among others.

As outlined in the mission press conference in Zagreb, the advocacy mission to Croatia revealed a gap in perceptions between government representatives and journalists on the ground. The mission observed that progress has been made in transposing the Anti-SLAPP directive and establishing a database for the transparency of media ownership, alongside the implementation of government safety protocols for journalists and training within newsrooms, as emphasised by the government.

Journalists reported ongoing threats, a lack of adequate protection, poor working conditions, and significant political and economic pressures, including media capture, editorial interference, smear campaigns and financial instability. Strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), anti-media rhetoric, and delays in implementing the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) continue to undermine press freedom.

The political landscape, characterised by efforts to defund critical media such as Novosti and the weakening of independent outlets like N1, has exacerbated concerns. The government’s use of state advertising to reward favourable coverage and its control over the public broadcaster were identified as key tools of media manipulation.

The mission concludes that while the government has made some progress, the measures to protect media freedom are insufficient and at times inconsistent. Unless comprehensive reforms are promptly enacted, including proper implementation of EU legislation, stronger legal protections, actions ensuring the continued existence of public interest journalism, and consistent enforcement of journalist safety protocols, the space for free and independent journalism in Croatia will continue to deteriorate.

The Media Freedom Rapid Response stands ready to participate in any public consultations or initiatives aimed at reinforcing media freedom in Croatia.

The mission was led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and joined by representatives from ARTICLE 19 Europe, Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the International Press Institute (IPI), and OBC Transeuropa (OBCT).

Download the report

Library

Malta: Guilty verdicts in Daphne Caruana Galizia case mark…

Malta: Guilty verdicts in Daphne Caruana Galizia case mark another step towards full justice

Media freedom groups welcome conviction of two gang members who supplied car bomb which killed Maltese journalist.

06.06.2025

Guilty verdicts handed down to two gang members who supplied the car bomb which killed Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia mark another vital step forward in the fight for full justice, the undersigned media freedom organisations said today.

We jointly hail the convictions of Robert Agius and Jamie Vella, reached via a jury in Valletta on June 5, as a crucial development in the fight against impunity which we hope will strengthen the case against the alleged mastermind of the assassination.

The long-awaited ruling was reached yesterday evening following a six-week trial in the Maltese capital, during which the two men, who were part of the Maltese criminal underworld, were found guilty of procuring the military grade explosives and providing them to the hitmen who executed the murder.

The convictions come eight years after the car bombing on 16 October 2017 and ensures two more people involved in the plot to kill Caruana Galizia over her investigative journalism will be behind bars. Agius and Vella, part of the Maltese Ta’ Maksar gang, will be sentenced shortly.

Five individuals have now been found guilty of participating in the hit. Brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio are serving 40-year prison sentences for planting and detonating the bomb. Vincent Muscat, another involved in planning and executing the hit, is serving 15 years. Melvin Theuma, the self-confessed middleman, was given a pardon on condition for testifying in several criminal proceedings, including against the alleged mastermind.

The alleged mastermind, Yorgen Fenech, a powerful Maltese businessman, is currently awaiting trial. Fenech was released on bail in February 2025 and successfully argued for a court order banning reporting on his legal proceedings.

Following the verdict, we hail the dedication and professionalism of the legal team representing Caruana Galizia’s family throughout this process and stand with the family as the fight for justice continues. While these latest convictions are a vital step forward, we stress that full justice remains the only acceptable outcome.

While progress is being made on securing convictions, our organisations stress that wider institutional reform outlined in the recommendations of the Public Inquiry into Daphne’s assassination have not been implemented and Maltese authorities are not demonstrating the political will required to address the culture of impunity and widespread institutional failures that allowed this killing to happen in the first place.

Moving forward, our organisations will continue to push for the Maltese authorities to implement the recommendations of the Public Inquiry and take concrete steps to improve the wider environment for press freedom, to ensure that no other journalists are ever silenced for carrying out their watchdog role in Malta.

Daphne deserves no less.

Signed by:

International Press Institute (IPI)
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)
Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
Article 19 Europe

Library

Poland: New president urged to commit to press freedom…

Poland: New president urged to commit to press freedom reforms

Following the victory of Karol Nawrocki in Poland’s presidential election on 1 June, the undersigned media freedom organisations today call on the president elect to commit to building a cross-party consensus required to bolster press freedom and strengthen Polish democracy.

06.06.2025

Though the election of the Nawrocki, an ally of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, pits him in opposition to the government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, our organisations jointly stress the need for genuine and effective cooperation to drive forward much needed reforms to the media ecosystem, including on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and the democratisation of the country’s public media.

Media reform plans should bring Polish legislation in line with requirements set out by the European Union’s European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), which is due to come into effect in August this year, and EU anti-SLAPP Directive and Recommendation adopted in 2024.

A lack of cooperation and compromise between the new president and government ultimately risks undermining the prospects for comprehensive reform of the Polish media landscape, hindering efforts to strengthen the resilience and independence of public media, and negatively impacting citizen’s right to information.

Since its election in October 2023, the current Civic Coalition-led ruling majority has been working on reform proposals in this direction. However, the process has proven more difficult than initially expected, with politicians citing the complexity of large scale reform as progress slowed to a halt. In addition, the government has tried to justify the drawn-out timeline for reforms by the risk of being blocked by President Andrzej Duda, who is politically affiliated with PiS. For instance, a presidential veto in late 2023 deprived the public media of funding.

Under the former PiS-led government, the country’s public media and key broadcast media regulator suffered from political capture and the erosion of their independence, while politicians and figures connected to the government abused the legal system to try and silence the media with vexatious lawsuits.

Poland’s National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) was politically captured by PiS. Since 2022, it has been led by the PiS-appointed Maciej Świrski, who uses his position to withhold funds to the public media – whom he accuses of being controlled by the new government – and to issue fines to broadcasters critical of PiS.

The public broadcasters Telewizja Polska (TVP) and Polskie Radio remain in a state of legal limbo following the 2023 elections, when the new government bypassed established procedures to remove pro-PiS leadership and journalists from their positions. While TVP is no longer the same propaganda machine it was under PiS, it is not a fully independent public broadcaster either. Critics, including media watchdogs and journalists, have pointed to a clear bias in favor of the current ruling coalition – though less blatant than under the previous government.

Systemic reform, outlined in recommendations formulated by Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) following their missions to the country, remain essential to ensuring that stronger safeguards are established, to prevent all forms of political interference in editorial decision making and managerial appointments, as well as to ensure that state propaganda that defined TVP under PiS cannot return.

As highlighted in a recent report published by IPI and the Media and Journalism Research Centre (MJRC), the new government’s reform package aims in part to address the situation at TVP, ensure the independence of KRRiT and improve media ownership transparency. New media legislation would also help improve protections of editorial independence and media pluralism, as well as ensure the fair and transparent distribution of state advertising.

Moving forward, we therefore urge the president elect Nawrocki to play a positive role in developing the political consensus necessary to drive through long-term protections for media freedom in Poland, and to approve the aforementioned proposals if they are passed in parliament.

To do so, we call on president elect Nawrocki to cooperate with both chambers of parliament in the coming months to accelerate the implementation of the guiding principles of EMFA and the EU anti-SLAPP initiative into national law. This should include improving legal safeguards for the editorial independence of private media, bolstering the independence of the public broadcaster and of KRRiT, as well as shielding media from vexatious lawsuits.

Doing so will increase the protection of media freedom and independent journalism as essential pillars of a free and democratic Polish society.