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.

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

Press freedom on trial in Greece: support Alterthess' appeal - Article

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

Research on the Pressures on Local Media in Serbia (July 2022 - May 2024) - Reports

Published in Serbian, this study is conducted by “Lokal Pres'' and funded by the National Endowment for Democracy. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the pressures faced by local media in Serbia over the period from July 2022 to May 2024

The state of Romanian media in the 2024 super-electoral year - Reports

Published in April 2024 by the Bucharest-based Center for Independent Journalism, this report examines the state of the art of Romanian journalism ahead of a critical year. In 2024, Romanians will be casting their votes in four different rounds of elections, going from local, to parliamentary, presidential and EU polls

Silencing Voices in Italy: The Erosion of Media Freedom - Article

Italy's media is in crisis, battling legal onslaughts and facing a surge of censorship one year after the establishment of the far-right government led by Giorgia Meloni

By Sielke Kelner

(Originally published by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung , 16.01.2024)

Open letter to the European Commission: e-influence mercenaries operating in the EU undermine access to information - Article

Media outlets, journalists’ and press freedom organisations troubled with abusive practices of some reputation management companies operating in the European Union

Urgent action needed by the Netherlands to protect civic space against SLAPPs and other forms of legal intimidation - Article

OBCT joins media freedom organisations in urging the Netherlands to adopt regulatory measures against SLAPPs

SLAPPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina - Article

Also in Bosnia and Herzegovina one of the major obstacles to the exercise of the journalistic profession is represented by the so-called SLAPPs, lawsuits seeking to silence or limit the work of journalists and civil rights activists

By Arman Fazlić

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA and BHS

The need to strengthen the protection of the right to freedom of expression and information through legal reforms in Italy - Legal Resources

On 23 October 2022, the new Italian Government, led by Giorgia Meloni, was appointed, following the parliamentary elections in September. In light of rhetoric during the election campaign and the programme of the leading far-right political coalition formed by Lega, Forza Italia and Fratelli D’Italia, which the Prime Minister is a member of, ARTICLE 19 Europe and members of the Media Freedom Rapid Response are concerned about the new Government’s commitment to protecting human rights