Georgia: Restrictive new funding law would further cut off media and journalists - Article

The MFRR partners strongly condemn the proposals of the Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party to implement a series of legislative amendments that would impose additional restrictions and penalties on recipients of grants and foreign funding. 

Amendments to Albania’s Criminal Code must be strengthened to ensure full decriminalisation of defamation - Article

The undersigned organisations of the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) today stress that recent amendments to Albania’s Criminal Code, though positive, must be strengthened to ensure decriminalisation of defamation

Bulgaria: Press Freedom Undermined by Political Polarisation and Delayed Reforms - Article

Media freedom in Bulgaria faces entrenched challenges in a climate of political polarisation and legislative inertia, with urgent action needed by government and public authorities to push forward both domestic and EU-mandated reforms, a coalition of international press freedom organisations said today

Open Letter on Improving Journalists’ Access to the Albanian Parliament - Article

MFRR partners and free expression organizations urge the Albanian Parliament to drop plans restricting journalists’ access and to protect media freedom

Joint Statement on the Draft Penal Code and Its Implications for Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Albania - Article

OBCT joins the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), and civil society organizations in Albania in expressing concern regarding the proposed amendments to the Penal Code which risk posing direct threats to media freedom, the safety of journalists, and the fundamental right to freedom of expression

Serbia: Media regulator election again made a mockery of EU-required reforms - Article

Process to appoint new members of media regulator council was again conducted in non-transparent and discriminatory manner

Condemnation of legal threats against Danwatch by Ingosstrakh and ELWI - Article

OBCT joins free expression organizations in denouncing legal threats issued by a Moscow-based law firm against the Danish investigative media outlet Danwatch

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

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

Country Report: Albania - Article

The media sector in Albania is rather unstable. While certain areas have seen progress, the state of media freedom and protection for journalists remains precarious and needs stronger safeguards

By Sukanya Sengupta