North Macedonia: International press freedom mission finds fragile progress in need of further support - Article

This week OBCT joined MFRR partners in a fact-finding mission to North Macedonia organised by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia. While the coalition recognises an improvement in media workers' working conditions, it also warns that the landscape of journalism in the country remains fragile

Protests in Belgrade and violence in reality shows - Article

After the massacres of the recent weeks, street demonstrations continue against the government and above all the media, which according to critics have created a climate of intolerance and violence over the years

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

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

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

Media Mapping and Dealing with the Past - Reports

The research aims at shedding light on the role of media outlets and journalists in dealing with the past in Kosovo and North Macedonia 

Serbia: Independent journalism faces its biggest crisis in years - Article

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

SLAPP in Bulgaria, record claim against Mediapool - Article

A record claim for compensation against Bulgarian online newspaper Mediapool, "guilty" of bringing the problems of the insurance sector to public attention. A trial brings the SLAPP issue back under the spotlight in Bulgaria, between fears and professional solidarity

By Francesco Martino

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Italy: Prosecutor issues seizure order for article published by newspaper Domani - Article

Italian press freedom is seriously threatened by yet another attempt by a member of the current government to silence independent journalism

Also available in ITA

Montenegro: after a new acquittal, the hopes and projects of journalist Jovo Martinovic - Article

After over seven years of judicial ordeal and after spending fifteen months in pre-trial detention on drug trafficking charges, investigative journalist Jovo Martinovic was acquitted for the second time by the Supreme Court on 17 January. We interviewed him while waiting for the final verdict

By Paola Rosà

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA and BHS

The “misuse” of the judicial system to attack freedom of expression: trends, challenges and responses - Reports

The current UNESCO brief explores a number of legal tools which are employed to curb freedom of expression around the world, such as criminal defamation offences; defamation as civil wrong; SLAPPs

Gag lawsuits, an anti-SLAPP shield is coming - Article

OCCRP, the transnational investigative journalism platform against crime and corruption, has devised a system to prevent lawsuits, prevent self-censorship, and defend journalists from gag lawsuits – an actual shield in defence of reporters. Drew Sullivan, co-founder of OCCRP, explains it to us

By Paola Rosà