News

South Tyrol, journalism of "curiosity, enthusiasm, and tough skin"

22/05/2023

The acquittal of the authors of an investigative book on discontent within the majority party comes in a local context where the rule of law is severely tested by the interweaving of media concentration, economic interests, politics and business, family ties, and various anomalies

By Paola Rosà

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Slovakia: Profound disappointment as suspected mastermind in Ján Kuciak murder acquitted again

19/05/2023

OBCT joins media freedom organizations in renewing their call for justice for the murder of Slovak journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová

Media pluralism in a legal limbo in Serbia

03/05/2023

The allocation of national broadcasting frequencies in Serbia highlights the lack of transparency and pluralism in the sector. Frequencies are only awarded to government-friendly media. Concerns have been expressed by both the European Commission and the European Parliament

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Media Freedom on the Line as Turkey Approaches Elections

03/05/2023

OBCT joins media organizations and journalists in demanding politicians commit to end media oppression

Greece: MFRR partners welcome first arrests over 2021 assassination of journalist Giorgos Karaivaz

03/05/2023

On World Press Freedom Day, OBCT joins MFRR partners in welcoming the arrests of two suspects in connection with the 2021 assassination of crime reporter Giorgos Karaivaz in Greece

Bulgaria: Investigative journalists hit by smears and lawsuits after corruption revelations

02/05/2023

OBCT joins MFRR partners in expressing concern about legal pressure exerted against two of Bulgaria’s leading investigative media platforms

Public letter responding to the CULT draft report on the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)

28/04/2023

Media Freedom Groups troubled with the CULT report on the EMFA proposal

Turkey: International groups demand release of Kurdish journalists, lawyers, political party officials detained in pre-election crackdown

27/04/2023

OBCT joins media freedom and human rights organisations calling for Turkish authorities to stop systematic harassment and intimidation of Kurdish journalists, media workers, media outlets, the lawyers that defend them, and Kurdish political party officials

Serbia: Independent journalism faces its biggest crisis in years

26/04/2023

Following a visit to Belgrade on April 10 and 11 2023 to commemorate the murder anniversary of editor and publisher Slavko Ćuruvija, the undersigned international press freedom and journalists’ organisations today issue a stark warning over the state of media freedom and journalists’ safety in Serbia

Greece: MFRR to fund legal appeal for lawsuit against Alterthess

19/04/2023

OBCT joins MFRR partners in expressing dismay over the recent court ruling involving a SLAPP lawsuit against Greek media outlet Alterthess and one of its journalists, Stavroula Poulimeni. Given the dangerous consequences that such a legal precedent could have, MFRR organisations have decided to provide funding to cover legal fees for their appeal