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

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.

Turkey: Press freedom and journalist organisations call for the…

Turkey: Press freedom and journalist organisations call for the release of journalist Fatih Altaylı

The undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression and journalists’ organisations today strongly condemn the arrest of Turkish journalist Fatih Altaylı over his political commentary during a YouTube live broadcast and call for his immediate release.

25.06.2025

Fatih Altaylı, a prominent journalist and columnist, was taken into custody and arrested on June 21, 2025, hours after a segment of his YouTube broadcast went viral on social media. In the video, Altaylı offered critical political commentary in response to a poll suggesting that 70 percent of the Turkish public would oppose a proposal to allow the Turkish President to remain in power indefinitely.

 

Following this, some social media accounts began spreading edited clips from his broadcast that mischaracterised his comments as threatening speech. Shortly afterward, Oktay Saral, a senior advisor to the Turkish President, publicly targeted Altaylı on social media, writing that he was “in hot water already”. Within ten hours, Altaylı had been detained.

 

Under Turkish law, if a person is under investigation for a crime that carries a maximum prison sentence of two years or less, they typically cannot be held in pretrial detention. Initially, Altaylı was held on suspicion of making a criminal threat—an offense that is applicable to threats against any individual, and falls into this category. Prosecutors later reinterpreted the case and invoked a provision that increases penalties for offenses in which the president is the victim. This provision, which mandates a minimum five-year sentence, allowed authorities to place Altaylı in pretrial detention. However, legal experts argue that this provision applies only to direct physical acts—not verbal statements made through the press—and warn that its use in this case exceeds its intended legal scope.

 

The Istanbul 10th Criminal Court of Peace approved the prosecutor’s request to jail Altaylı pending trial, citing the “severity of the offense” and a purported “risk of flight”.

 

Following his arrest, Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK) issued a warning on June 23 announcing that Altaylı’s YouTube channel must apply for an internet broadcasting license within 72 hours, submit the required documents, and pay a three-month licensing fee in advance, or be closed down.

 

The undersigned organisations regard this arrest as a clear abuse of criminal law to silence critical political commentary. The decision to interpret Altaylı’s remarks as incitement to assassination is a dangerous expansion of criminal liability, one that threatens to further erode freedom of expression in Türkiye.

 

We jointly call for the immediate release of Fatih Altaylı and urge Turkish authorities to cease exploiting vague legal provisions to persecute journalists. A free press must include the right to freedom of expression and critique political leaders without fear of reprisal.

Signed by:

  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • Foreign Media Association (FMA Turkey)
  • Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)
  • Progressive Journalists Association (PJA)
  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
  • South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)

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.

Türkiye: Basın ve ifade özgürlüğü ile basın meslek kuruluşları gazeteci Fatih Altaylı’nın serbest bırakılmasını talep ediyor

 

Aşağıda imzası bulunan basın özgürlüğü, ifade hürriyeti ve basın meslek kuruluşları olarak gazeteci Fatih Altaylı’nın YouTube’daki canlı yayınında yaptığı siyasi yorumları nedeniyle tutuklanmasını şiddetle kınıyor, derhal serbest bırakılmasını talep ediyoruz.

 

Gazeteci ve köşe yazarı Fatih Altaylı, sosyal medyada çokça paylaşılan YouTube yayınından birkaç saat sonra 21 Haziran’da önce gözaltına alındı, sonra da tutuklandı. Söz konusu videoda Altaylı, Türkiye halkının yüzde 70’inin devlet başkanlarının süresiz görevde kalmasına karşı olduğunu gösteren bir anketi değerlendiriyordu.

 

Yayının ardından bazı sosyal medya hesapları, Altaylı’nın sözlerini bağlamından koparıp tehdit içerikliymiş gibi yansıtan video kesitlerini yaymaya başladı. Kısa süre içinde Cumhurbaşkanı Başdanışmanı Oktay Saral da sosyal medya hesabından videoyu paylaşıp, “Altaylıııı! Suyun ısınmaya başladı” ifadelerini kullandı. Saral’ın paylaşımından yaklaşık 10 saat sonra Altaylı gözaltına alındı.

 

Türkiye’deki yasalar, azami cezası iki yıl olan suçlarla ilgili soruşturmalarda şüphelilerin tutuklu yargılanamayacağını belirtiyor. Altaylı da ilk olarak bu kapsamda değerlendirilmesi gereken tehdit suçu şüphesiyle gözaltına alınmıştı. Ancak savcılık daha sonra dosyayı yeniden değerlendirerek mağdurun Cumhurbaşkanı olması durumunda cezayı artıran maddeyi devreye soktu. En az beş yıl hapis cezası talep edilebilmesinin önünü açan bu madde uyarınca Altaylı’nın tutuklu yargılanmasının yolu açıldı. Ancak hukukçular, bu maddenin sadece fiziki müdahaleler için geçerli olduğunu, basın yoluyla yapılan sözlü açıklamalara uygulanamayacağını belirterek yasanın kapsamının aşıldığını ifade ediyor.

 

İstanbul 10. Sulh Ceza Hakimliği, savcılığın tutuklama talebini “suçun vasıf ve mahiyeti” ve “kaçma ihtimalinin yüksek olduğu” gerekçesiyle kabul etti.

 

Altaylı’nın tutuklanmasının ardından 23 Haziran’da Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu (RTÜK) ise gazetecinin YouTube kanalı için 72 saat içinde internet yayın lisansına başvuruda bulunması, gerekli belgeleri sunması ve üç aylık lisans ücretini peşin ödemesi gerektiğini, aksi takdirde kanalın kapatılacağını duyurdu.

 

Aşağıda imzası bulunan kuruluşlar olarak bu tutuklamayı, cezai yasaların açıkça suistimal edilmesi sonucu siyasi eleştirinin bastırılması olarak değerlendiriyoruz. Altaylı’nın sözlerinin suikast suçu kapsamında yorumlanması cezai sorumluluğu tehlikeli biçimde genişletmekte ve Türkiye’de ifade özgürlüğünü daha da zayıflatmaktadır.

 

Fatih Altaylı’nın derhal serbest bırakılmasını ve yetkililerin gazetecileri cezalandırmak için muğlak yasal düzenlemelere başvurmaktan vazgeçmesini talep ediyoruz. Özgür basın, misilleme korkusu yaşamadan siyasi liderleri eleştirme ve fikirlerini ifade edebilme hakkına sahip olmalıdır.

İmzalayanlar:

  • Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü (IPI)
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • Avrupa Basın ve Medya Özgürlüğü Merkezi (ECPMF)
  • Avrupa Gazeteciler Federasyonu (EFJ)
  • Çağdaş Gazeteciler Derneği (ÇGD)
  • Gazetecileri Koruma Komitesi (CPJ)
  • Güney Doğu Avrupa Medya Örgütü (SEEMO)
  • Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği (MLSA)
  • Sınır Tanımayan Gazeteciler (RSF)
  • Yabancı Medya Derneği (FMA)

Bu açıklama, AB üye ülkeleri ve aday ülkelerde basın ve medya özgürlüğünün ihlallerini takip eden, izleyen ve bunlara müdahale eden Avrupa çapında bir mekanizma olan Medya Özgürlüğü Acil Müdahale (MFRR) tarafından koordine edildi.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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).

Assessing Hungary’s foreign funding bill

Assessing Hungary’s foreign funding bill

26 May, 14:00 CET.

On May 13, the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán presented a draft of a new foreign funding bill which represents the most serious attack on Hungarian media in years and is the latest step in a more than decade-long campaign by the government to stigmatise independent journalism, undermine its business model and systematically erode media pluralism.

 

If passed, this legislation would effectively represent the first foreign agent-style law in the European Union, marking another milestone in Hungary’s democratic decline and deepening the crackdown in what has long been the EU’s worst country for media freedom.

 

Hungary has already developed the most advanced model of media capture in the EU, using a wide range of tools to capture public media and regulatory bodies, punish government critics, and silence independent voices. The Sovereignty Protection Office, established in late 2023, has conducted smear campaigns against leading independent investigative outlets.

 

Now, with the newly proposed law, which includes heavy sanctions and poses a severe threat to the viability of independent media, how can Hungary’s free press survive?

 

Join us on 26 May at 14.00 CET for a briefing from renowned Hungarian journalists and media experts to examine the proposed law in detail, explore its likely impact on Hungary’s embattled independent media, and hear how journalists are preparing to fight back. 

 

In this one hour session, we will analyse the bill’s implications for media funding, its role in accelerating democratic backsliding, the economic challenges it poses, and what journalistic solidarity means in the climate of fear and uncertainty. We will also discuss the role the EU should play in countering Hungary’s crackdown on press freedom, ahead of an EU Council debate on the rule of law in Hungary on May 27.

Moderator

Jamie Wiseman

Europe Advocacy Officer at International Press Institute (IPI) 

Speakers

Eva Bognar

Coordinating Director at Mediaforum Association 

Marton Karpati

CEO at Telex.hu

Andras Petho

Co-founder and Director of Direkt36

Veronika Munk

Director of Innovation and New Markets at Dennik N

Hungary: Foreign funding bill poses most serious threat to…

Hungary: Foreign funding bill poses most serious threat to independent media in years

A newly introduced bill which would allow for the blacklisting, financial restriction and potential closure of media outlets and civil society organisations receiving foreign funds poses a severe threat to independent journalism and press freedom and should be immediately challenged under EU law, the undersigned partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) said today.

16 May 2025

Draft legislation submitted on May 13 by the Fidesz party of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán represents the most serious attack on Hungarian media in years and is the latest step in a more than decade-long campaign by the government to stigmatise independent journalism, undermine its business model and systematically erode media pluralism.

 

If passed, this legislation would effectively represent the first foreign agent-style law in the European Union, marking another milestone in Hungary’s democratic decline and deepening the crackdown in what has long been the EU’s worst country for media freedom.

 

The proposed law poses a direct threat to core EU values of media freedom and media pluralism as set forth in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. In targeting funding for media from within the EU, it stands in direct contrast to the vision of the EU as a shared community and single market. This autocratic legislation would grant a foothold for Russian-style strangling of independent media from within the bloc itself.

 

With the bill likely to become law in the coming weeks, our organisations today urge the European leaders and the EU Council to recognise the serious threat posed by this law for both Hungary and the EU and to discuss all possible measures to address the Orban’s government’s fundamental threat to democracy of both the Member State and the bloc itself.

 

The bill, entitled “On the Transparency of Public Life”, would grant the Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) powers to recommend that any foreign funded legal entity, including media outlets or NGOs, be added to a government blacklist if it deems they pose a threat to the country’s sovereignty.

 

A media outlet added to the list would be blocked from receiving any form of grant or donation or financial transfer from any foreign entity or state. This would include any grants from the European Union or any EU Member State, as well as countries outside the bloc. A media outlet would only be able to receive an exemption for foreign funding with the permission of the Hungarian anti-money laundering authority.

 

If a media outlet does not comply with these rules, the money laundering authority would have powers to impose a fine of 25 times the amount of funding they received, payable within 15 days, which could financially destroy a smaller media company. If blacklisted media is deemed to have committed a repeat funding offence it could face closure, opening the door for the government to legally shut down independent media houses. The bill also includes a provision which would permit the money laundering authority to retroactively assess whether a media outlet served the agenda of a foreign donor and then order the funds to be returned.

 

The SPO would also be handed new powers to conduct searches of newsrooms and access documents or computer files, with the assistance of police. Banks would be obliged to monitor the financial activity of blacklisted media houses, provide information on their transactions. They would be barred from citing banking secrecy to refuse to comply with these orders. Meanwhile, the executives, founders and potentially the editors of a blacklisted media outlet would be forced to declare their assets to the national tax office, in the same way as a public figure or politician.

 

In a further threat to the funding model for independent journalism in Hungary, any entity added to the blacklist would lose its eligibility to receive a 1% annual tax donation from citizens as is currently the case in Hungary. The voluntary donation from readers to media houses which run a charitable foundation currently represents a financial lifeline for many media critical of the government, which have been systematically excluded from state advertising budgets and other state funds. This tax rule would come into effect one year after the law is adopted. All other rules would come into effect three days after adoption of the law.

 

While the bill does not mention media directly, its scope involves any legal entity registered in Hungary which carries out activities capable of influencing public opinion or democratic debate, meaning it is essentially targeted at news media and civil society organisations. Broad criteria possible for blacklisting could include any reporting which the SPO deems as “undermining Hungary’s independent, democratic and rule-of-law-based character”, violating Hungary’s constitutional identity or Christian culture or challenging the primacy of marriage, the family and biological sexes. This could lead to increased self-censorship of media covering these topics.

 

These powers would be handled by the Sovereignty Protection Office, a body established in 2023 and headed by a Fidesz loyalist. Our organisations have previously documented the body’s discriminatory and politically motivated stigmatisation of media receiving foreign funds. The SPO is currently being challenged in front of the European Court of Justice but continues its operations. The current bill represents a major strengthening of its powers and broadens its ability to harass and potentially even close media outlets based on its arbitrary assessments.

 

In practical terms, if adopted the impact of the bill on the financial sustainability of a major segment of Hungarian independent media would be severe. A number of predominantly online media which receive European grants for different projects such as cross border investigative reporting could be badly affected. Other media which cover LGBTQ topics would likely be forced to self-censor to avoid retaliation. The impact on other remaining bastions of free press in Hungary which have foreign ownership or foreign subscriptions, remains unclear. Blacklisting could realistically drive media or individual journalists into exile. Overall, the bill contains even more damaging provisions than our organisations had previously feared.

 

The response of the EU to such a direct violation of European law and the threat to fundamental rights and treaty values must be swift and forceful. Given the likely implementation of the law in a rapid parliamentary process, we call on the European Commission to immediately begin assessing the non-compliance of the draft bill with EU law in preparation for an immediate investigation and challenge at the ECJ, if the bill is adopted. This process should be carried out in an expedited time frame to limit the potential damage to what remains of the country’s independent media landscape. Until the Court is able to rule, the Commission should also be ready to apply immediate interim measures against Hungary.

 

It should also be noted that the proposed law is also much harsher than Hungary’s 2017 Law on Transparency, which was subsequently condemned by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in a 2020 ruling as a breach of EU law for its restrictions in free movement of capital, failure to protect right to private and family life and restrictions on the right to freedom of association. The European Council is also due to discuss the Rule of Law Procedure against Hungary at its forthcoming meeting on 27 May, where under Article 7(1) Hungary is deemed as being at risk of a serious breach of EU values. EU leaders should condemn the draft bill and signal the strongest possible opposition to the bill and its impact on Hungarian and EU democracy.

 

Any failure by the EU to urgently address this law as a flagrant attack on media freedom and media pluralism would inspire allies in Slovakia and elsewhere to develop similar attacks on independent media which receive foreign grants. While the European Media Freedom Act due to come into effect in August 2025 represents a much-needed initiative to safeguard free and pluralistic media across the bloc, the EU Commission has not always utilised all tools at its disposal to push back against the steady erosion of media pluralism in Hungary, most glaringly the failure to take up multiple state aid complaints over the government’s abuse of EU money to subsidise pro-government media. The same mistake must not be made again.

 

Moving forward, our MFRR partner organisations continue to stand by all independent media and civil society organisations in Hungary and will be conducting advocacy at the EU and other international bodies.

Signed by:

  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

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.

Croatia: MFRR Media Freedom Mission to Visit Zagreb to…

Croatia: MFRR Media Freedom Mission to Visit Zagreb to Highlight the Importance of EU legislation and Protection of Journalists

Between 19 and 21 May, Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partner organisations will conduct a press freedom mission to Zagreb, Croatia. The mission aims to engage with public authorities and media representatives on key recommendations from the MFRR monitoring mission report and stress the urgent need for Croatia to fully implement the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive and ensure the effective application of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). 

16 May 2025

The report “Precarity and political pressures: addressing challenges undermining media freedom in Croatia,” published in February 2025, underscores the critical importance  of addressing legal threats to journalists in Croatia – including criminal defamation, restrictions on judicial transparency, weak labour protections, and the proper and timely application of the EMFA.

 

Since January 2024 to May 16, 2025 Mapping Media Freedom (MapMF) has recorded 31 alerts involving 39 journalists and media workers in Croatia. Approximately 67% incidents involved verbal attacks, including around 41% cases of intimidation. Three incidents were linked to election coverage, and five to environmental reporting, with the latest example from May 10, 2025 when a Nova TV reporter and crew member were attacked while covering the environmental degradation along the Una River.

 

The delegation will assess press freedom in Croatia, review progress on recommendations, evaluate state responses to media violations, and verify reported delays in implementing EMFA. The MFRR will meet with government officials, judicial representatives, the Ombudsperson’s office, local publishers, and journalists. The mission will conclude with a meeting with the EU representation in Zagreb.

 

The mission will be 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).

 

A mission report detailing updates of previous findings and recommendations will be published following the visit. The report will then be shared with EU institutions and relevant international bodies. The mission aims to foster accountability, improve protection mechanisms for journalists, and support Croatia’s alignment with European media freedom standards.

 

A press conference will be held in Zagreb, Wednesday, May 21 at 13:30h in the premises of the Croatian Journalists’ Association. For more information, or to schedule interviews with mission participants, please contact mfrr@ecpmf.eu.

Hrvatska: MFRR misija za slobodu medija posjetit će Zagreb kako bi istaknula važnost EU zakonodavstva i zaštite novinara

Od 19. do 21. svibnja, partnerske organizacije inicijative Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) provest će misiju za slobodu medija u Zagrebu, Hrvatska. Cilj misije je razgovarati s javnim vlastima i predstavnicima medija o ključnim preporukama iz izvješća promatračke misije MFRR-a te naglasiti hitnu potrebu da Hrvatska u potpunosti provede EU Direktivu protiv SLAPP tužbi i osigura učinkovitu primjenu Europskog zakona o slobodi medija (EMFA).

 

Izvješće pod nazivom „Prekarnost i politički pritisci: suočavanje s izazovima koji narušavaju slobodu medija u Hrvatskoj”, objavljeno u veljači 2025., ističe koliko je ključno rješavati pravne prijetnje novinarima u Hrvatskoj – uključujući kazneno djelo klevete, ograničenja u transparentnosti pravosuđa, slabu radnu zaštitu te pravilnu i pravovremenu primjenu EMFA-e.

 

Od siječnja 2024. do 16. svibnja 2025., Mapping Media Freedom (MapMF) zabilježio je 31 upozorenje koje uključuje 39 novinara i medijskih djelatnika u Hrvatskoj. Oko 67 posto incidenata uključivalo je verbalne napade, a približno 41 posto odnosilo se na zastrašivanje. Tri incidenta bila su povezana s izvještavanjem o izborima, a pet s ekološkim temama. Posljednji slučaj zabilježen je 10. svibnja 2025., kada su novinarka i snimatelj Nove TV napadnuti dok su izvještavali o uzurpaciji i ekocidu državnog zemljišta uz rijeku Unu.

 

Delegacija će procijeniti stanje slobode medija u Hrvatskoj, razmotriti napredak u provedbi preporuka, evaluirati reakcije države na kršenja medijskih prava te provjeriti prijavljena kašnjenja u provedbi EMFA-e. MFRR će se sastati s predstavnicima vlasti, pravosuđa, Ureda pučke pravobraniteljice, lokalnih izdavača i novinara. Misija će završiti sastankom s predstavništvom EU-a u Zagrebu.

 

Misiju će predvoditi Europski centar za slobodu tiska i medija (ECPMF) i Europska federacija novinara (EFJ), a pridružit će im se predstavnici organizacija ARTICLE 19 Europe, Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Međunarodnog instituta za medije (IPI) i OBC Transeuropa (OBCT).

 

Izvješće o misiji s ažuriranim nalazima i preporukama bit će objavljeno nakon posjeta, a zatim će se podijeliti s institucijama EU-a i relevantnim međunarodnim tijelima. Cilj misije je potaknuti odgovornost, unaprijediti mehanizme zaštite novinara i podržati usklađivanje Hrvatske s europskim standardima slobode medija.

 

Konferencija za medije održat će se u Zagrebu, u srijedu 21. svibnja u 13:30 sati u prostorijama Hrvatskog novinarskog društva.
Za više informacija ili dogovor o intervjuima s članovima misije, kontaktirajte: mfrr@ecpmf.eu.

Croatia: New attack on journalists over environmental reporting, activation…

Croatia: New attack on journalists over environmental reporting, activation of government safety protocols

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) condemned the attack on Nova TV’s investigative journalist Danka Derifaj and camera operator Miroslav Bokan while filming a report on the long-term environmental destruction along the Una River in Croatia.

14 May 2025

We also join our Croatian affiliates (TUCJ and CJA), and the SafeJournalists Network (SJN), in welcoming the prompt action of the Lika-Senj County Police, who arrested the individuals responsible under the government’s safety protocol for journalists signed with the Ministry of Interior, TUCJ, and CJA.

 

On 10 May 2025, at around 6 pm, Reporter Danka Derifaj and camera operator Miroslav Bokan from Nova TV’s investigative program Provjereno were forcibly prevented from filming environmental degradation at the Štrbački Buk area along the Una River in Croatia. While questioning a couple who were allegedly responsible for illegally occupying and damaging the state-owned land, the journalists were verbally and physically attacked by them. The man first shouted at camera operator Bokan to not film in a derogatory manner, after which his wife slapped reporter Danka Derifaj. The incident was recorded on video.

 

Both attackers were arrested with criminal charges being filed, on suspicion of committing the criminal offence of ‘coercion against a person performing tasks of public interest or in public service’.

 

“The attack on Danko Derifaj and his team is an attack on journalism and the public’s right to know. They went to film the devastation of state land in Štrbački Buk, and were met with curses, threats, and physical violence. Danko opened an important story – now it’s our turn, especially other media outlets, to continue it,” stated TUCJ and EFJ President Maja Sever.

 

The EFJ also welcomes the swift activation of the Protocol on Police Conduct in Cases Involving Criminal Offences Against Journalists by Croatian authorities following the attack on Nova TV journalists. While physical violence against journalists is relatively rare in Croatia, authorities have not consistently classified such assaults as criminal offenses, as seen in the case of Melita Vrsaljko, assaulted twice in a week over reporting on illegal waste dumps.

 

The recent implementation of this protocol indicates a positive step towards enhancing the safety of journalists, who often face violence when reporting on environmental issues. Mapping Media Freedom data since 2024indicates a worsening environment for media workers, primarily involving threats and intimidation.

 

From 19-21 May, the MFRR delegation will travel to Zagreb and continue to deeply assess the state of press freedom in Croatia and provide crucial recommendations, including the enforcement of government safety protocols, to ensure a media environment free from violence.

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.

Europe at a crossroads: Defending democracy depends on defending…

Europe at a crossroads: defending democracy depends on defending media freedom

On this World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners express solidarity with all journalists and media professionals who face threats, intimidation, and attacks for their work. In these challenging times of socio-political turmoil in Europe and beyond, public interest journalism is more crucial than ever, as journalists continue to work under increasing pressure. We call for decisive action by the European Union, its member states, and candidate countries to uphold and protect media freedom. 

3 May 2025

Over the past year, we have seen a sharp rise in the complex and multifaceted challenges undermining the resilience of Europe’s media landscape. These serious threats include the rise of political polarisation, disinformation, far-right influence, political pressure, reduction of funding, and growing attempts to restrict or even control independent reporting under the pretext of national security. These factors place immense pressure on the media and increase uncertainty for many journalists. 

 

This growing climate of hostility has led to a significant increase in attacks on media freedom and journalists across the continent. Since last year’s WPFD, Mapping Media Freedom (MapMF) recorded approximately 1,400 attacks, affecting nearly 2,500 individuals and media organisations. This marks a substantial rise from the previous year, which saw around 1,240 attacks affecting about 1,850 individuals.

 

The past year saw an upsurge in verbal assaults, censorship, SLAPPs, and physical violence. The attacks came from private individuals and government bodies alike, with the most frequent violations happening online and in the context of protests. Online attacks included verbal attacks, interference, and attacks on property. Perpetrators of these incidents often remain unknown, contributing to a heightened sense of impunity. 

 

On the other hand, over half of attacks during protests were physical, with 41.1% resulting in injury. Violations were recorded during protests in Georgia, Serbia, Turkey, and Germany, among other places. Incidents included pressures and excessive use of force both by police and private individuals, demonstrating that protecting both the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly is crucial for safeguarding our democracies.

 

The so-called Super-Election Year, 2024, was marked by numerous national and regional elections across Europe. The elections laid bare growing political polarisation across Europe, and amid this tense environment, journalists and media outlets covering the elections faced a surge in attacks and intimidation. MapMF registered 205 election-related cases, with significant incidents in Georgia, where police violence and attacks by private individuals were particularly prevalent, resulting in injuries in 72.4% of cases.

 

Foreign Agent Laws, which seek to curb independent media and civil society organisations under the pretext of combating foreign influence, have raised growing concerns for media freedom organisations. Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovakia adopted such laws, while Bulgaria, Turkey, Moldova, and Hungary have seriously considered their adoption. 

 

News of spyware and targeted surveillance of journalists have also shaken the media several times in the past year. Six recorded cases involved software like Pegasus, Predator, Graphite, and NoviSpy. The purchase of these tools is often linked to the governments, however, the attackers remain unidentified in 75% of cases. The most recent examples came from Italy and Serbia, where journalists were targeted through social media applications. Graphite software targeted 90 WhatsApp users, including Italian Fanpage Editor-in-Chief Francesco Cancellato, while two BIRN journalists were targeted by Pegasus in Serbia.

 

MapMF has documented a continued pattern of spoofing and deepfake attacks, with around 30 cases affecting 60 individuals. These attacks often involve fake websites, fraudulent advertising, and manipulated videos or images, with many incidents linked to Russian propaganda channels spreading disinformation. 80% of those behind spoofing attacks remain unidentified, contributing to high levels of impunity.

 

Over the past year, environmental reporting has become increasingly dangerous, with around 40 cases affecting nearly 60 journalists recorded. These journalists face threats and obstructions while covering issues, such as natural disasters, waste management, mining, and pollution. Examples include journalists reporting on the aftermath of the DANA storm in Spain, as well as those targeted with legal threats or defamation by private companies or politicians for reporting on waste management, mining, or pollution.     

 

The increasing number of attacks against journalists and media entities underscores the urgent need for greater protection and support for press freedom. This WPFD needs to highlight issues faced by journalists and push governments to scale up their responses to resist and remedy this challenging environment. This includes prompt and effective implementation of the European Media Freedom Act, and Anti-SLAPP Directive, as well as related acts such as the Digital Services and Digital Markets Act. Moreover, we urge the European Union to mainstream media freedoms and protection of journalists in the upcoming policy dialogues, including EU Democracy Shield. The MFRR partners reiterate that there is no democracy and security without media freedom in Europe. 

 

Media Freedom Rapid response partners will discuss these and other topics during a series of events marking WPFD, on May 5th in Brussels. You can register to some of them using these links

Signed by:

  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • Free Press Unlimited (FPU)     
  • ARTICLE 19 Europe
  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

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.

Serbia: Media freedom in a state of emergency –…

Serbia: Media freedom in a state of emergency – New report

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) today shares alarming findings about the deteriorating state of press and media freedom in Serbia. The MFRR solidarity mission to Belgrade and Novi Sad, conducted on 7-9 April, alongside ongoing monitoring, revealed a state of emergency – one that demands urgent attention and action from national authorities and the EU.

2 May 2025

Although the media freedom crisis has persisted for years, the reporting of the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad canopy railway has led to ever-increasing pressure on journalists across Serbia, including young media professionals and journalism students.

 

From censorship, political pressure, increasing media capture, relentless smear campaigns, and abusive lawsuits and daily threats to their lives, media workers face a hostile environment where perpetrators – including state authorities and government officials – act with total impunity. Investigations into threats, when opened, are rarely efficient, let alone concluded, and serve more as box-ticking exercises than genuine efforts to deliver justice and protect journalists.

 

Prevented from carrying out its normal work, the press has been forced to focus on surviving relentless attacks, resisting discrediting efforts, and suppression, to the detriment of the citizens’ right to free and unbiased information.

 

During the solidarity mission, the MFRR partners focused on meeting with journalists from both private and state-owned outlets, as well as trade unions and civil society groups. The delegation also met with officials from the State Attorney’s Office and the Serbian police, as well as representatives from the European Union (EU) office in Belgrade, the Council of Europe (CoE), and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

 

Amid the MFRR findings are serious omissions by the Serbian authorities regarding the protection of journalists, which are irreconcilable with the protection of freedom of expression as prescribed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the benchmarks set as part of the accession negotiations concerning Chapter 23 (Judiciary and fundamental rights). 

 

Key recommendations to Serbian authorities, including the President of Serbia, include:

  • Cease and condemn all public attacks on the media and journalists
  • Cease all illegal police actions against the media, including office raids 
  • Cease the illegal use of spyware against journalists and civil society
  • Ensure law enforcement training
  • Ensure a thorough and swift investigation into the attacks on media and journalists, including the historic murders
  • Ensure the new process for appointing members of the REM Council is conducted in a fair, independent and transparent process, free from political influence.
  • Ensure the independence of the public broadcaster 

 

To the European Union:

  • Publicly condemn all attacks on journalists and civil society actors who receive threats, physical attacks, and legal threats as a result of their work 
  • Publicly and consistently question Serbian authorities about the status of investigations into attacks against journalists
  • Publicly condemn the unlawful digital surveillance and use of spyware against journalists and CSOs and raise those in high-level meetings with senior officials, including the President of Serbia
  • Consider suspending negotiations with Serbian authorities on Chapter 23 (Judiciary and fundamental rights) of the EU accession process until substantial and sustained reforms are made regarding media freedom, media pluralism, and the safety of journalists. 

 

The Media Freedom Rapid Response stands ready to participate in public consultations and support efforts to strengthen media freedom in Serbia.

 

The mission was led by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), and was joined by representatives from ARTICLE 19 Europe, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), International Press Institute (IPI), and the Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT). It was coordinated with support from the Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS).

 

The report was produced as a joint effort by all organisations which took part in the mission.