Media Freedom organisations call for action as press freedom violations surge in Turkey in 2025 - Article

The undersigned press freedom, freedom of expression, human rights, and journalists’ organisations, and media outlets, express serious concern over the recent escalation of press freedom violations in Turkey, marking a troubling start to the new year. The frequent use of arbitrary arrests, detentions, judicial control measures, and convictions poses an existential threat to independent media, democratic discourse, and fundamental human rights in the country

Croatia: Brutal assault on Dario Topić must be punished, swift activation of police safety protocols a positive step forward - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners and the SafeJournalists Network (SJN) strongly condemn the brutal attack on Dario Topić, editor-in-chief of the local media portal Komarilos.com. The consortium calls for the perpetrator to be held accountable without delay, in line with the Croatian Penal Code which prescribes higher penalties for attacks on journalists

Self-defence against SLAPPs in Serbia - Article

In Serbia, the investigative newspaper KRIK is the target of frequent legal harassment. To counteract it, the editorial team has developed strategies based on civil society solidarity, public denunciation and monitoring of trials

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA.

Montenegro: MFRR partners call for the perpetrators of the attack on journalist Ana Raičković to be held accountable - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners strongly condemn the verbal and physical attack on Ana Raičković, editor of the daily "Pobjeda", as well as the attack on her family members

Fact-Checking in Albania: Confronting Disinformation and Intimidation - Article

The disconnect between the younger generation and traditional media, the struggles to hold public institutions accountable, and the urgent need for a syndicate to protect journalists’ rights. These are just some of the challenges that the media sector has to face in Albania. An interview

By Luisa Chiodi and Sukanya Sengupta 

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

The Role of Justice Actors Combatting SLAPPs - Reports

A webinar co-hosted by the American Bar Association Centre for Human Rights and the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers focusing on the role of justice actors – whether prosecutors, judges, lawyers or law firms – in countering or enabling SLAPPs

Intimidated, attacked and barred from entering the country: press freedom organizations urge for protection of journalists’ rights in Georgia - Article

International community must place effective pressure on Georgia to uphold press freedom and secure a safe environment for journalists

SLAPP in Croatia, a plague - Article

Over a thousand lawsuits filed between 2016 and 2023 against journalists and media outlets, nearly half of which are SLAPPs, or strategic lawsuits against public participation. These are frivolous lawsuits that aim to silence freedom of expression

By Giovanni Vale 

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

EMMA 2025 Conference: Empowering Media through Sustainable and Human- Centered Innovations - Reports

The European Media Management Association (EMMA) has announced its 2025 annual conference, scheduled for June 3-5, 2025, at the Luiss Business School in Rome

Croatia: Major challenges ahead to improve media freedom - Article

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