News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Protests in Georgia intensified after the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suspended EU accession talks, drawing condemnation and widespread demonstrations. Thousands gathered in Tbilisi and other cities, demanding the restoration of EU negotiations and new elections. The government’s response included aggressive tactics, such as water cannons, tear gas, and arrests, with over 300 detainees by
Read more →BCSDN members Partners Albania and MCIC published their 2023 reports on the civil society environment, highlighting key civil society challenges in Albania and North Macedonia. In terms of basic freedoms, CSOs in both countries operate in an environment where freedom of association is legally guaranteed and practiced. However, Albania faces setbacks with delays in operationalizing
Read more →The Second European Anti-SLAPP Conference, held on November 14 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, addressed the growing threat of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and their misuse to suppress public participation and freedom of expression. Co-organized by the CoE, CASE, and ECPMF, the event focused on implementing key frameworks such as the
Read more →In Albania, journalists face increasing pressure from a complex triangle involving media, politics, and business interests, which undermines free press and public accountability. Journalists struggle with precarious working conditions and lack of legal protections, leading to self-censorship. Women journalists, in particular, deal with sexual harassment, underreporting of wages, and limited social security benefits. Legal threats,
Read more →Journalist Nataša Miljanović Zubac of RTRS has faced escalating threats, including arson, death threats, and intimidation, since 2022. Despite police measures, protection remains inadequate as none of the eight reported incidents have led to prosecutions. Recent threats include chilling messages that underscore her unsafe working conditions and limited movement. The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)
Read more →Press freedom organizations have condemned four incidents of violence and intimidation against journalists during Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections on October 27. These attacks included threats, obstruction, and physical violence, with one bTV camera operator. The perpetrators, supporters of the DPS-New Beginning coalition, were detained by police. Press advocates demand thorough investigations, accountability for attackers, and disciplinary
Read more →Aleksandar Vulin’s party has proposed a draft law in Serbia to create a registry for “agents of foreign influence”, targeting NGOs and organizations receiving over half of their funding from foreign entities within a year. The proposal identifies these “agents” as groups engaged in political activities perceived to threaten democracy, Serbia’s integrity, or incite hate.
Read more →Thousands of protesters marched in Belgrade on November 11, demanding accountability for the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad train station’s roof, which killed 14 people on November 1. Throughout the series of protests, there have been massive arrests of demonstrators, with an ever-growing number of detained as they continue to demand justice and accountability
Read more →During a recent mission to Belgrade, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) noted that press freedom in Serbia remains under attack. Following the massive protests in Belgrade and Novi Sad, triggered by the tragedy that occurred on 1 November at the entrance of the Novi Sad Railway station in which 14 people lost their lifes, the RSF
Read more →At the 10th Media Development Forum that took place on 23 October, in Tirana, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, announced support for a structured dialogue on media freedom and journalist safety in Albania. This initiative, facilitated by the University of Tirana’s Journalism Department, aims to foster collaboration among state authorities and media stakeholders.
Read more →In 2023, Albania saw an increase in Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), a trend that poses significant risks to media freedom and the safety of journalists. SLAPPs are used by powerful entities to silence independent voices by intimidating critics with costly and burdensome lawsuits, often aimed at discouraging public participation in matters of public
Read more →Verica Marinčić, a journalist from Inđija, Serbia, faces severe harassment, including seven lawsuits targeting the survival of her independent media outlet, IN Media. Her reporting, especially on the municipality’s distribution of “potency honey” to schoolchildren, has led to ongoing intimidation and a court ruling against her, demanding substantial damages for alleged harm to minors. This
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