Italy, journalism and the rule of law - Article

In a country where media freedom and pluralism are formally protected by a solid legislative framework, the ability of journalists to conduct their investigative work still faces several challenges. We discussed these issues in an interview with Lorenzo Bagnoli, IrpiMedia journalist

by Maria Francesca Rita

Malta: Joint statement in support of The Shift News - Article

OBCT co-signed a statement in support of the independent media outlet The Shift News, as it faces a freedom of information battle with the government of Malta

2022 Rule of law report: OBCT submission for Italy - Article

The European Commission published the 2022 Rule of Law Report on July 13. In response to the call for stakeholders' contribution, OBCT submitted a report answering questions related to the situation in Italy

Albania: Letter to Prime Minister Edi Rama from international press freedom organisations - Article

OBCT signed a letter addressed to Albanian PM Edi Rama in protest against a decision to ban journalists from attending press conferences after they asked challenging questions. Such an arbitrary restriction seriously affects the ability of the press to carry out its watchdog role. Albanian translation is available below

Malta: Media battle for access to public information - Article

Press freedom groups raise concern over unprecedented FOI obstructions

Poland: access to public information must not be constrained - Article

On 15 December, the Constitutional Tribunal will hold a hearing regarding the bill that regulates access to public information. MFRR partners are highly concerned about new possible restrictions on the right to information, as imposing constraints on existing legislation would undermine public transparency and impede media outlets to fulfill their watchdog role

Albania: MFRR urges government to scrap new Media and Information Agency - Article

MFRR partners express concern over a new Media and Information Agency that would centralise control over the government's public relations within a single entity. Until greater safeguards can be established to ensure the agency operates in a fair and transparent manner, we urge the government to cancel its establishment

Italy: Access to information law should not override protection of journalistic sources - Article

On 18 June 2021, the Administrative Court of Lazio (TAR Lazio) ordered the Italian Media Public Broadcaster (RAI) to release documents held by TV Program Report following an access to information request

Bulgaria: police violence and public restrictions for journalists - Article

We co-signed a letter that the International Press Institute has sent to the Bulgarian authorities to express the concern of the consortium Media Freedom Rapid Response about restrictions and violations of media freedom

Greece: journalists are denied access to the Moria camp - Article

The Greek authorities are undermining press freedom and threatening the public’s right to know by restricting access for media workers to sites where refugees and asylum seekers are held following the fire that destroyed the Moria camp