News

Turkey: MFRR partners condemn Turkey’s broadcast regulator’s decision to silence TELE1

04/09/2025

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners condemn the five-day broadcast blackout imposed on TELE1 since September 1, and the escalating use of censorship sanctions by RTÜK, Turkey’s broadcast regulator, against independent critical media outlets. We urge authorities to stop targeting critical and opposing views and uphold media pluralism in line with democratic standards.

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Ten demands for maintaining media freedom in Czechia

04/09/2025

Media freedom is the cornerstone of every democratic society. Independent journalism, together with media literacy and free access to information, is the best prevention against disinformation. In the run-up to the Czech parliamentary elections on 3 and 4 October 2025, the undersigned organisations therefore propose to political parties specific steps to protect these values

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Serbia: MFRR partners warn against attempt to seize political control of last remaining independent TV stations N1 and Nova

04/09/2025

OBCT and MFRR partners warn of political interference in United Group media in Serbia

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Albania: Media freedom groups write to authorities over Focus Media Group obstruction

25/08/2025

OBCT joined MFRR partners and other media freedom and journalist organisations in signing an open letter to the Albanian authorities, expressing growing concern over the ongoing obstruction of journalistic work following the recent police blockade of the Focus Media Group building in Tirana and the failure to comply with a recent court ruling

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Albania: Urgent answers needed on Focus Media Group blockade and journalists’ right to work

12/08/2025

We join the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Albanian media freedom organisations in expressing concern over the police blockade and subsequent events affecting Focus Media Group, News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and other affiliated outlets

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EU: After entry into force, political will now crucial for European Media Freedom Act success

08/08/2025

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners today welcome the historic entry into force of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) , which represents a landmark achievement in ongoing efforts to safeguard media pluralism and independence across the European Union. Today, 8 August 2025, marks a new era for media freedom in the EU and comes at a crucial time for the defence of democratic values within the bloc

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Joint Statement on the Draft Penal Code and Its Implications for Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Albania

01/08/2025

OBCT joins the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), and civil society organizations in Albania in expressing concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Penal Code which risk posing direct threats to media freedom, the safety of journalists, and the fundamental right to freedom of expression

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Georgia: Ahead of verdict, press freedom groups renew call for Mzia Amaglobeli’s release

31/07/2025

OBCT joins free expression organisations in urging the Georgian Dream authorities to drop the criminal charges against Mzia Amaglobeli and to ensure her immediate release

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EU Rule of Law Report: A welcome but insufficient response to deteriorating media freedom

22/07/2025

OBCT joins MFRR partners in responding to the publication of the European Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report, urging the EU to strengthen its commitment to media freedom and the protection of independent journalism

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Closure of Al Jazeera Balkans is a Major Blow to Media Freedom and Pluralism in the Region

17/07/2025

The SafeJournalists Network and the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) platform express deep concern and solidarity with over 200 journalists and media workers affected by the sudden announcement of the closure of Al Jazeera Balkans after 14 years of continuous operation

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