Europe at a crossroads: defending democracy depends on defending media freedom - Article

On World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners express solidarity with all journalists and media professionals who face threats, intimidation, and attacks for their work. In these challenging times of socio-political turmoil in Europe and beyond, public interest journalism is more crucial than ever, as journalists continue to work under increasing pressure. We call for decisive action by the European Union, its member states, and candidate countries to uphold and protect media freedom

Free expression organisations in solidarity with the award-winning artist and human rights defender Badiucao - Article

More than 40 organisations from around the world stand in solidarity with the award-winning Chinese-Australian political cartoonist, artist and human rights defender Badiucao as he faces legal harassment in relation to his protest art

SafeJournalists Network and Media Freedom Rapid Response: TikTok ban in Albania threatens freedom of expression ahead of general elections - Article

SafeJournalists Network (SJN), the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners, and civil society organizations express serious concern regarding the Albanian Council of Ministers' decision to suspend nationwide access to the TikTok platform for 12 months

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

Trentino, journalism and gag complaints - Article

Between announced complaints and warnings, we heard from 4 newspaper editors, the union and an investigative journalist. First part of an investigation into the SLAPP phenomenon in Trentino

By Paola Rosà

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA.

Press freedom partners call for release of Mzia Amaglobeli, end to crackdown on free press - Article

OBCT joins press freedom and human rights organizations in calling for the immediate release of Georgian journalist Amaglobeli, an end to media repression, and an investigation into her mistreatment

Georgia, threats against the media - Article

Physical attacks, insults, obstacles at work, damage to equipment, arrests. In Georgia journalists have become a target of police violence during the street protests, while state broadcasters are accused of disinformation

By Federico Baccini

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

Serbia: Urgent need for a swift and thorough investigation into intelligence and police invasive surveillance of journalists and sources - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners join the SafeJournalists Network (SJN), in expressing serious concern over the revelations in Amnesty International's forensic analysis, exposing the invasive use of spyware and other digital tools by Serbian intelligence services and police to hack journalists' phones as part of a covert surveillance campaign

Albania, media trapped in a triangle of pressure - Article

Journalists across Europe are often subjected to subtle forms of pressure and intimidation, including vexatious lawsuits frequently initiated by influential politicians or businesspeople. Blerjana Bino, Executive Director of SCiDEV and Researcher at the SafeJournalists Network, provides insight into the situation in the country

By Serena Epis

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

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