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

Prison for defamation: a partially good news, the decision of the Italian Constitutional Court - Article

The MFRR partners welcome the decision of the Italian Constitutional Court but ask for more engagement by the Parliament: a reform of media laws is necessary to protect media freedom in the country

France: one defamation action dropped, but the threat remains - Article

The MFRR welcomes the dropping of the defamation action against Inès Léraud but vexatious legal threats continue to threaten media freedom across Europe

The key pillars to fight disinformation. A speech by Vera Jourová - Article

On July 7 the Vice-President of the European Commission held a speech at the European Media Conference "Diversity and Responsibility: Media in a Digital Society" organized by the German Federal Government to encourage debate on the issue of safeguarding media pluralism in Europe

Safety of Journalists and the Fighting of Corruption in the EU - Reports

A study commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the LIBE Committee (Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs) examines the chilling effect of crimes and threats against media workers, exploring regulatory and other measures to counter the phenomenon

Jail and defamation: an international call to the Italian Constitutional Court - Article

Waiting for the hearing of the Consitutional Court scheduled for June 9th, the partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response call to the Court to cancel prison as a punishment for defamation. Qui la versione italiana

Liability and jurisdictional issues in online defamation cases - Reports

Content published online in one state can produce effects on an unlimited number of persons. An allegedly defamatory statement can therefore be claimed to have produced damage in several states, which may result in complex international legal disputes

Civil Defamation and Media Freedom in Hungary - Reports

A study about legislation and case law after the adoption of a new Civil Code in 2014 which introduced restitution (financial compensation) instead of non-pecuniary damages. How these changes affect journalists and freedom of expression in a system where legislative texts are very succinctly worded

First Report of the Interdepartmental Group on the Security of Ireland's Electoral Process and Disinformation - Reports

A report by the Irish Government about the security of elections and referendum in relation with disinformation

Threatened journalists in Italy - Datasets

423 attacks in 2017 and over 3500 since 2006: Ossigeno per l'Informazione monitors threats to journalists in Italy