Albania: Media freedom groups welcome court verdict on seizure of journalist Elton Qyno’s equipment - Article

SafeJournalists Network, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcome the decision of the Constitutional Court of Albania which overturned the lower-court orders allowing the search and seizure of journalist Elton Qyno’s equipment, reinforcing the importance of protecting journalistic sources and freedom of expression in line with international standards

The Next Rule of Law Report: More Action, Less Reaction - Article

OBCT joins civil society, human rights, journalist and media support organisations call on the European Commission to strengthen the rule of law dialogue, improve the impact of the Rule of Law Report’s recommendations and take decisive action against systematic human rights violations in EU Member State

Romania: Answers needed over surveillance of investigative journalist - Article

Disturbing revelations about the physical surveillance and wiretapping of Victor Ilie, Romanian investigative journalist, by the Romanian National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA).

Open Letter: Surveillance warrants targeting journalists are dangerous for democracy - Article

OBCT, alongside free expression organizations, Romanian journalists and media outlets, condemns the surveillance of journalists by Romanian prosecutors as a violation of press freedom 

Originally published in Romanian and English by ActiveWatch and the Center for independent Journalism

MFRR and SJN condemn adoption of foreign agent legislation in Bosnia’s entity Republika Srpska - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners and SafeJournalists Network (SJN) strongly condemn the adoption of legislation in the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will establish a "special registry” of NGOs, many of which are independent media

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 lawsuits (2) - Article

Media outlets in Trentino are targeted by mayors, entrepreneurs and even magistrates; however, tracking this form of legal harassment remains challenging. Second part of an investigation into the phenomenon of SLAPPs in Trentino

By Paola Rosà

(Read the first part of the investigation)

Fist 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

Joint letter to European Commission President: EU should oppose Türkiye’s “agent of influence” bill - Article

In a joint letter, 55 international and local press freedom and human rights organisations urge the EU Commission to call for full withdrawal of the "agent of influence" bill in Turkey.

ELI-Mount Scopus European Standards of Judicial Independence - Reports

The ELI-Mount Scopus European Standards on Judicial Independence provide 38 guidelines to safeguard judicial independence, ensure impartial courts, and uphold democracy and the rule of law