News and updates from BCSDN and the region
The Croatian Journalists’ Association (HND) has urged parliamentarians to reject a proposed law criminalizing the “Unauthorised disclosure of the contents of an investigative or evidentiary act,” expressing concerns about its impact on journalism and the public interest. The HND argues that even with a provision exempting journalists if they obtain prohibited information, the law could
Read more →Civil Society Europe (CSE), representing EU-level CSOs, expresses deep concern about the European Parliament’s own-initiative report on the transparency and accountability of NGOs funded from the EU budget. CSE rejects the report, arguing it lacks evidence and relies on assumptions. They emphasize that NGOs are subject to the same EU financial rules and reporting obligations
Read more →The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomes Turkey’s Constitutional Court’s decision to annul a legal clause allowing local courts to remove online news. The clause, introduced in 2020, enabled the removal of online content violating individuals’ “personal rights” or privacy. CPJ’s Turkey representative, Özgür Öğret, applauds the Court’s move, stating it is a step in
Read more →Following a series of prominent arrests, Bosnia and Herzegovina might secure the initiation of accession talks with the EU in 2024. However, there is concern that Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik could disrupt this progress by pursuing actions that threaten the stability of the state. The EU may decide on Bosnia’s accession talks in March,
Read more →SLAPP lawsuits aim to stifle public advocacy by burdening defendants with legal proceedings. The European Union is considering an anti-SLAPP directive, providing individuals targeted by such lawsuits with early dismissal options, cost coverage, and potential penalties for the plaintiff. In Serbia, SLAPPs cases, often brought by government officials, have raised concerns about freedom of expression.
Read more →The Government of North Macedonia has released a survey to assess the effectiveness of the indicators outlined in the Government’s Action Plan for Cooperation and Development of Civil Society, with a specific focus on engaging registered CSOs. This survey is designed to support the Department of Cooperation with CSOs within the Government of North Macedonia
Read more →Croatia’s Government has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code and the Act on Protection from Domestic Violence. The changes include new criminal offenses, with a focus on addressing the aggravated murder of women. These amendments represent an effort to combat violence, expanding victims’ rights and introducing stricter measures for restraining orders. The amendments also increase
Read more →Sputnik Turkey journalists have been on strike for five months, fired by the news agency after demanding better pay and rights. Striking journalists, motivated by dissatisfaction with low pay, inflation, and media restrictions, have encountered challenges due to geopolitical tensions between Turkey and Russia and some colleagues’ betrayal. Without salaries, they receive support from the
Read more →Serbian CSOs united under the Three Freedoms Platform strongly condemn police brutality against citizens protesting outside the City Assembly of Belgrade on December 24. They call for an urgent reaction from the authorities to protect basic rights and freedoms. The citizens have been gathering daily to express dissatisfaction with undemocratic election conditions and reported election
Read more →SLAPP lawsuits, meant to intimidate public participation, pose a serious threat to freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The British company Adriatic Metals recently filed a SLAPP lawsuit against the CSO activist Hajrija Čobo, accusing her of damaging their reputation for advocating clean water rights. BCSDN member from BiH CPCD, supports Čobo and condemns
Read more →Representatives of the network for protection against discrimination held a press conference urging parliamentarians to ensure an unbiased and transparent selection process for members of the Commission. They emphasize the need for fair representation in all positions of the Commission, denouncing the insertion of partisan members that compromises the Commission’s independence. The Network highlights legal
Read more →Veysel Ok, a lawyer representing three Kurdish journalists, has raised concerns about their potential imprisonment. These journalists are facing legal threats because of their reporting on increasing human rights violations in Turkey. Ok, who is also a co-chair of the Media and Law Studies Association, has emphasized the rise in rights abuses in eastern Turkey,
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