News and updates from BCSDN and the region
Differing in their range and sphere of influence, the social movements in the Balkans share the idea of building a better, more just society. The fundamental principles of democracy, freedom, justice, and equality are still present within engaged citizens assembled around local initiatives and social movements. The “Bosnian Spring” in BiH, the “Colourful Revolution” in
Read more →Based on the analysis of its research partners, among which BCSDN, providing analysis on the situation of the basic human freedoms in the Balkans, Civicus Monitor presents the recent Civic Space updates on the freedom of expression violations. According to the analysis, the right to information is vital during a public health emergency, and the
Read more →The International Press Institute, IPI, expressed concerns after the Slovenian Prime Minister on his Twitter account attacked the director of the Slovenian Press Agency, STA, of being a ‘collaborator’ in the ‘murder’ of a former STA editor. The observers also claimed that the Slovenian government is putting pressure on the agency to change its editorial
Read more →Human rights and freedoms constraints in exceptional circumstances, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, are only allowed if they are proportionately implemented, without discrimination against anyone, considering that some human rights and freedoms should not be subjected to restriction. Citizens claim that it is difficult for them to accept the limitations and the changes that the
Read more →In its annual Press Freedom Index report, ranking 180 countries worldwide based on their level of media freedom, and journalists’ safety, Reporters Without Borders informs that the media conditions in some Central and South East Europe countries deteriorated amid coronavirus pandemic in 2020. In Serbia (93), the legislation limited press freedom; the Government controlled the media; and
Read more →In April 2021, the Montenegrin Government appointed new Commission members for Monitoring Violence against Media, which comprises journalists, media and NGO representatives, the Interior Ministry, Police, State Prosecution, and the National Security Agency. The Commission’s new head has called the authorities to demonstrate the political will to clarify the attacks on journalists and media, emphasizing
Read more →In its latest publication, the European Civic Forum with four main asks reacted to the European Commission Stakeholders’ Consultation on the Rule of Law in the European Union. It states that the European Commission should adopt a comprehensive approach for the rule of law, fundamental rights, and democracy. Also, a comprehensive approach should include a
Read more →Recalling recent examples of government’s abuse of international recommendations, including the case in which the Directorate for the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in Serbia investigated 57 organizations, media, and individuals without legal grounds, and state bodies’ campaign to obstruct CSO’s work, in a statement CSOs, among which BCSDN member Civic Initiatives, express
Read more →Turkey’s top administrative court decided the authorities’ regulations on journalists’ accreditation, allowing officials to cancel reporters’ press cards being unfriendly to the government, breached the media freedom. With the authorities’ regulation, many independent journalists have had their press cards revoked, or their renewal applications were denied. According to the Council of State, the press cards
Read more →In its latest publication, the Centre for Contemporary Politics states that when informing citizens about EU reports on Serbia, there is a lack of reporting of direct findings, conclusions, and independent interpretations of the Commission Report’s original text. It asserts that the EU report presents a situation that is not in line with the country’s
Read more →A new IDSC public policy study aims to assess the crisis management system’s structure and provide recommendations for its development. By reviewing the legal and institutional set-up, it reflects on the competencies of the municipalities; it identifies the systemic gaps and challenges, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation of the municipalities; the
Read more →A smear campaign was launched against the investigative portal KRIK, emerging in Serbia’s major government-funded tabloids. The organization (a member of the Organised Crime and Corruption Research Network (OCCRP), was connected with an organized criminal group headed by a recently-arrested crime boss, under investigation for several murders. The campaign made unsupported and inaccurate claims that the criminal
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