Mariano Giustino: Journalist censored by Facebook

#MissingVoices – Mariano Giustino: Journalist censored by Facebook

Censorship by social media platforms reduces dialogue, shrinks public knowledge for everyone and prevents us all from holding those in power to account.

As part of the MFRR, ARTICLE 19 are leading the #MissingVoices campaign to speak up for the missing voices by asking platforms for more transparency and the right to appeal decisions that stifle the right to freedom of expression.

Italian journalist Mariano Giustino has been reporting on Turkey, its politics and foreign relations, since 2004. Currently, he’s a correspondent for the Italian radio station, Radio Radicale where he hosts two weekly programs: Turkish Press Review and Turkish Diary. He also posts about Turkish politics and social issues on his personal Facebook page, which he sees as the equivalent of a newspaper for people interested in Turkey.

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MFRR welcomes the step forward by Italian Constitutional Court…

Progress in Italy to abolish prison sentences for criminal defamation

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) welcomes the decision by the Italian Constitutional Court to refer a decision on whether to abolish prison sentences for criminal defamation in relation to journalists and media workers to the Italian Parliament.

Following the MFRR statement of 5th June, the Italian Constitutional Court held a public hearing into the constitutional legitimacy of Article 595 of the penal code and Article 13 of the law on the press, which allows for prison sentences to be passed down to journalists in relation to criminal defamation cases. On Tuesday 9th June the Court ruled that while reform was necessary, it was the responsibility of Parliament to amend the legislation. This effectively postponed the Court’s decision for one year, stipulating that if Parliament has not passed legislation to amend the law by 22 June 2021, then the Court itself will abolish prison sentences. As part of this process, the Court has temporarily suspended prison sentences for journalists convicted of criminal defamation. This applies to both ongoing criminal proceedings and all pending cases.

The MFRR partners cautiously welcomed this ruling as part of a larger reform of both criminal and civil defamation in Italy.

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Italy criminal defamation as part of wider legislative reform

Italy: Abolish prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of wider reform

MFRR partners call for the abolition of prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of necessary and overdue legislative reform.

On 9 June there will be a public hearing at the Italian Constitutional Court into the legitimacy of laws that allow for jail sentences for journalists convicted of defamation. MFRR partners call for the abolition of prison sentences for criminal defamation as part of wider legislative reform that is needed to also strengthen civil defamation protections. This would ensure journalists and media workers are able to report and carry out their work free from the threats of legal actions that could result in imprisonment or severe financial penalties.

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Czech Republic follow up public service TV

Czech Republic: Preserve the Freedom and Independence of Public Service TV

Members of MFRR follow up with Members of Parliament in Czech Republic in relation to the composition of the Council of Czech TV (Česká televize)

Representatives of the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), International Press Institute (IPI) and the Syndicate of Journalists of Czech Republic have sent a letter to Members of Parliament in the Czech Republic to raise concerns that the composition of the Council of Czech TV (Česká televize) cannot be considered impartial or balanced between political groups.