The international media freedom mission to Croatia has underscored significant challenges regarding media law reform, transparency in state advertising, and journalist safety, including the threats posed by Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). Conducted between September 9 and 20, the mission involved meetings with various governmental and media organizations. Critics have expressed concerns over the media law reform process, citing a lack of public consultation and potential politicization in appointing members to the Agency for Electronic Media. Despite some positive initiatives to enhance journalist safety, such as new protocols from the Ministry of the Interior, further action is needed for effective implementation. Journalists continue to face access challenges to information and smear campaigns against them, particularly regarding corruption issues. Ongoing monitoring by civil society and international watchdogs is essential to uphold media freedom as a democratic cornerstone in Croatia. Read more here.
Source: ARTICLE 19