Backroom deals to silence independent media in Serbia? - Article

As the political situation in Serbia remains explosive, the publication of a controversial private conversation highlights an attempt to muzzle the few media outlets in the country that continue to take a critical line towards the government

By Massimo Moratti

Originally published by OBCT, also available in ITA

Georgia: Media Freedom groups condemn latest attacks on journalists by ruling party activists and police - Article

The undersigned media freedom, journalists’, and freedom of expression organizations strongly condemn the recent physical and verbal attacks on independent media by activists of the Georgian Dream ruling party and a police officer

Turkey: MFRR partners condemn Turkey’s broadcast regulator’s decision to silence TELE1 - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners condemn the five-day broadcast blackout imposed on TELE1 since September 1, and the escalating use of censorship sanctions by RTÜK, Turkey’s broadcast regulator, against independent critical media outlets. We urge authorities to stop targeting critical and opposing views and uphold media pluralism in line with democratic standards.

Ten demands for maintaining media freedom in Czechia - Article

Media freedom is the cornerstone of every democratic society. Independent journalism, together with media literacy and free access to information, is the best prevention against disinformation. In the run-up to the Czech parliamentary elections on 3 and 4 October 2025, the undersigned organisations therefore propose to political parties specific steps to protect these values

Serbia: MFRR partners warn against attempt to seize political control of last remaining independent TV stations N1 and Nova - Article

OBCT and MFRR partners warn of political interference in United Group media in Serbia

Moldovan women journalists challenging Russian disinformation - Article

Last fall, Moldovan investigative journalists Natalia Zaharescu and Măriuța Nistor infiltrated the network of pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Șor for three months. They documented the illegal techniques used to mobilize people and the risks faced by journalists working in this context

By Gian Marco Moisé

Originally published by OBCT. Also available in ITA

EAPIL Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions - Stakeholders

The European Association of Private International Law (EAPIL) Working Group on Anti-SLAPP Directive Transpositions is focused on the analysis and promotion of the correct and effective implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/1069 across the Member States of the European Union. The Directive introduces safeguards against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), which pose a growing threat to freedom of expression and the rule of law. Particular attention is devoted to Articles 16 and 17, which introduce specific rules of private international law (PIL), as well as to other procedural provisions with PIL relevance. By fostering scholarly and practical dialogue, the WG aims to contribute to a consistent and coherent transposition of the Directive, enhancing the protection of democratic debate throughout the European legal space.

Albania: Media freedom groups write to authorities over Focus Media Group obstruction - Article

OBCT joined MFRR partners and other media freedom and journalist organisations in signing an open letter to the Albanian authorities, expressing growing concern over the ongoing obstruction of journalistic work following the recent police blockade of the Focus Media Group building in Tirana and the failure to comply with a recent court ruling

Albania: Urgent answers needed on Focus Media Group blockade and journalists’ right to work - Article

We join the SafeJournalists Network, partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Albanian media freedom organisations in expressing concern over the police blockade and subsequent events affecting Focus Media Group, News24, BalkanWeb, Panorama, Gazeta Shqiptare, and other affiliated outlets

EU: After entry into force, political will now crucial for European Media Freedom Act success - Article

The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners today welcome the historic entry into force of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) , which represents a landmark achievement in ongoing efforts to safeguard media pluralism and independence across the European Union. Today, 8 August 2025, marks a new era for media freedom in the EU and comes at a crucial time for the defence of democratic values within the bloc