News

Italy: Salvini’s video reignites debate over RAI independence

01/10/2024

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) backs concerns expressed over the editorial independence of Italian public broadcaster RAI. The MFRR further insists that the appointment process of the new leadership must guarantee RAI’s political independence and enforce the highest standards of journalism.

Spain: barrage of online intimidation against journalists threatens safety

26/09/2024

CEO threatens journalists investigating his eviction company’s practices

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium condemns the online intimidation of investigative journalists working for La Sexta TV by Daniel Esteve, CEO of the eviction company Desokupa. Esteve's harassment and threats to reveal personal information put the journalists’ safety at great risk. We call on the Spanish authorities to take immediate action to protect them.

Croatia: Major challenges ahead to improve media freedom

25/09/2024

The international media freedom mission to Croatia has highlighted several significant concerns regarding media law reform, transparency of state advertising, and the safety of journalists including SLAPPs. While some promising initiatives have been noted, the path is still long ahead for Croatia to ensure a free and independent media landscape

Press freedom on trial in Greece: support Alterthess' appeal

19/09/2024

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) consortium expresses its full support for Greek journalist Stavroula Poulimeni and media outlet Alterthess ahead of their appeal on 19 September 2024

Call for independent investigation into Emilia Șercan case

16/09/2024

OBCT joins free expression organisations and media outlets in urging Romanian authorities to ensure that the legal cases concerning investigative journalist Emilia Șercan are handled independently and swiftly, following recent court decisions that exposed prosecutorial mishandling of the investigations

Media freedom groups alarmed by escalating death threats against journalist Murat Ağırel

11/09/2024

Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT) and undersigned press freedom and freedom of expression groups strongly condemn the ongoing and intensifying threats against prominent Turkish journalist Murat Ağırel.

MFRR Monitoring Report: January - June 2024

10/09/2024

In the first six months of 2024, the Media Freedom Rapid Response recorded 756 media freedom alerts across Europe

Croatia, media under attack

10/09/2024

Media campaigns and even kidnapping threats to marginalise and silence an inconvenient media outlet: this is what is happening in Croatia to the maritime affairs website "morski.hr", an episode that reopens concerns about freedom of the press in the country

By Giovanni Vale

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Hungary: Smear campaign against media intensifies threats to press freedom

10/09/2024

Pro-government outlets accuse European media network of information warfare in the service of foreign interests

Croatia: International mission to assess media freedom challenges

09/09/2024

On 9 September, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) will begin a press freedom mission to Croatia. The delegation will meet online with government representatives, journalists and journalistic associations, civil society, and renowned media experts to discuss the most pressing challenges to media freedom and pluralism in the country