Republika Srpska, the criminalisation of defamation and the squeeze on media freedom - Article

The parliament of Republika Srpska approved in the first instance a bill to amend the criminal code which reintroduces the crime of defamation. Now sixty days of public debate and then back to the assembly. A dangerous step backwards for freedom of expression 

By Arman Fazlić

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA and BHS

Albania: Press freedom organisations and journalist associations call for swift justice following deadly attack on Top Channel - Article

OBCT joins MFRR partners in urging Albania’s authorities to pursue the perpetrators who shot dead Pal Kola, Albanian TV station Top channel’s security guard

MFRR Summit 2023 | Press Freedom on the Line - Article

The MFRR Summit is back, and this year we’re holding our conference under the title of “Press Freedom on the Line” from 29 – 31 March 2023

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Journalists organisations call on the National Assembly to reject amendments to the defamation law - Article

OBCT joins MFRR partners in urging the members of the Republika Srpska National Assembly to reject the draft law that aims at reintroducing the criminalisation of defamation in the Criminal Code

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

Action needed: the EC Safety of Journalists Recommendation - Article

18 months since the adoption of the European Commission's Recommendation on the safety of journalists in the EU, MFRR partners call on the Commission and Member States to implement the provisions of the Recommendation without further delay

ALBANIA – Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists' Safety in Albania, 2022 - Reports

“Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists' Safety in Albania '' is a publication produced by Safejournalists network. The scope of this document is to analyse the ongoing situation in the country with respect to legal protection, editorial independence and safety of journalists

Turkey, earthquake fall out takes political turn - Article

The devastating earthquakes that shook Turkey on February 6 have uncovered a divided country, where many denounce the earthquakes as an announced tragedy. The government responds to the protests by tightening censorship

By Kenan Behzat Sharpe

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Call on Turkish authorities to abstain from further restrictions on media in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes - Article

The undersigned partners in the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) express their condolences with the victims of the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and reiterate the need for a free media atmosphere as a crucial element of all disaster relief processes

Mapping Media Freedom Monitoring Report 2022 - Reports

The 2021 Monitoring Report offers an overview of media freedom violations in the EU and candidate countries from January to December 2022. It addresses in particular four major developments: the war in Ukraine; the abuse of legal actions to silence legitimate public journalism; the rise in online attacks and environmental reporting.