News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Liberties provides a tailored approach for CSOs to protect their digital information. Emphasizing the importance of securing personal and sensitive data, the guide addresses unique threats faced by CSOs engaged in digital activism. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach covering people, processes, and technology, offering insights into understanding cyber risks, the impact of
Read more →Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has faced criticism from the media community for questioning journalist Elton Qyno about his sources, conducting a raid on his home and workplace, and seizing his computer. Journalists argue that they are not obligated to disclose their sources. Qyno, in an interview with local media, deemed
Read more →In 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) initiated a project to address the limitations and adverse effects of the flawed implementation of its standards, particularly Recommendation 8. The 2023 amendments to Recommendation 8 aim to rectify the misapplication and misunderstanding of R8, which had led to excessive and restrictive measures on civil society. The
Read more →BCSDN expresses concern over recent events jeopardizing freedom of expression and association in North Macedonia. In the most recent attack, a defamation lawsuit targeted the Investigative Reporting Lab (IRL), exemplifying a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) aiming to silence critical voices. The judge’s disconcerting statement, questioning IRL’s media status and limiting journalistic activities, sets
Read more →BiH journalist Snezana Mitrovic, from N1 television, was attacked by Mr. Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska, during a press conference. In response, the Media Freedom Rapid Response consortium condemned Dodik’s behavior, urging a public apology and an end to intimidation of media. The consortium highlighted a history of Dodik’s pressure on journalists and
Read more →The Center for Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV) provided input during the consultation of the Roadmap on Chapter 23 “Judiciary and fundamental rights” – a strategic document of the Government of Albania responding to the European Commission screening report for Albania – focusing on the section III.G on “Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, and
Read more →A conference co-organized by the European Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, held in November explored strategies to strengthen civil society and uphold fundamental rights, responding to civil society’s long-term demands. Discussions highlighted an institutional framework for civil dialogue, EU-wide monitoring, and streamlined funding access, yet concerns arose about a
Read more →The Liberties’ Online Civic Space Report, the first report specifically focusing on the state of the online civic space in the EU, focuses on inadequate protection of fundamental rights online. The report covers developments in 11 EU countries over the past five years, revealing issues such as online smear campaigns, doxxing, and efforts to regulate
Read more →BCSDN is actively addressing civic space threats in Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, calling national authorities to reverse harmful policies, notably recent amendments to the Republika Srpska Criminal Code and the draft ‘foreign agents’ law. Emphasizing the need for protected civic space and fundamental rights, BCSDN’s advocacy towards the EU is evident in monitoring and
Read more →The report on Bulgaria from the Fifth Evaluation Round by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Anti-Money Laundering Measures (MONEYVAL) evaluates the implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and assesses the effectiveness of Bulgaria’s AML/CFT system. Furthermore, the report offers recommendations for additional analysis and improvements in the country. Read more
Read more →On October 27, 2023, the FATF’s fourth Plenary, concluded in Paris. Delegates from the FATF’s Global Network and international organizations discussed key issues related to money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing. The Plenary addressed the Middle East situation, agreed to publish a report on Crowdfunding for Terrorism Financing, and made revisions to Recommendation 8.
Read more →The European Parliament adopted its position on the draft European Media Freedom Act. Ahead of the trilogues, Liberties reflects on the positive developments in the draft text, as well as some rejected amendments concerning media privilege and spyware. During the legislative process, multiple changes were made to the original text of the Act, and it
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