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News and updates from BCSDN and the region

North Macedonia: AJM Demands an Urgent Investigation into the Series of Online Attacks on “Sloboden Pechat”

The Association of Journalists of North Macedonia (AJM) calls for an urgent investigation into repeated coordinated bot attacks targeting the Instagram profiles of the media outlet “Sloboden Pechat,” with the latest incidents occurring in recent days. Thousands of suspicious accounts, often from abroad, reacted within minutes, indicating organised and malicious activity aimed at disrupting the

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Liberties: Messaging that (Re)Builds Public Support for Civic Space

Liberties messaging guide explores how to rebuild public support for NGOs working on human rights issues, focusing on how people form opinions and what messages resonate. Research across EU countries show that “undecided” audiences have low awareness and understanding of advocacy NGOs and are not strongly influenced by smear campaigns, meaning their views can shift

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Serbia: Dismissal of N1 News Director Raises Concerns Over Independent Media

The European Federation of Journalists condemned the dismissal of N1 News Director Igor Božić, warning it raises serious concerns about the future of independent journalism in Serbia. Božić, currently unassigned pending a final decision, is supported by N1 staff and media organisations gathering in solidarity. His removal follows the restructuring of independent newsrooms under the

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Türkiye: Joint Statement Warns of Escalating Repression of LGBTI+ Activists

A joint statement by European and national human rights organisations raises serious concern over escalating repression of LGBTI+ activists and organisations in Türkiye, highlighting the court-ordered closure of Genç LGBTİ+ and legal cases against its board members and human rights defender Defne Güzel. The cases, based on “morality” and “obscenity” grounds, risk imprisonment and restrictions

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Montenegro: Is the New Law on NGOs a Tool for Development or Control?

On March 25, BCSDN member CRNVO organised a high-level consultative meeting in Podgorica on the draft Law on NGOs, bringing together government, EU, and civil society representatives to assess its impact on civic space. The discussion centred on whether the law would support civil society or introduce increased control. Representing BCSDN, Anja Bosilkova-Antovska raised concerns

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Bulgaria: Regulation of Interest Representation Highlights Tensions with Civic Freedoms

The adoption of the Law on Transparency in the Representation of Interests in Bulgaria has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on civic space. While the law aims to regulate lobbying and increase transparency, concerns focus on its rushed adoption and broad scope, which does not clearly distinguish between public interest advocacy and

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Albania: Media Freedom Report Highlights Ongoing Pressures and Safety Concerns

BIRN Albania and SCiDEV have released a report assessing media freedom, pluralism, and journalist safety in Albania during 2025. The report examines legal reforms, institutional changes, and working conditions in the context of Albania’s EU accession process. While some procedural steps were taken to strengthen safeguards, structural challenges persist. Journalists continue to face pressure, intimidation,

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Online Backlash Targets Women’s Rights Activism Across Western Balkans and Türkiye

Gender is increasingly weaponised in digital spaces across the region, with women activists, journalists, and public figures facing coordinated online backlash, particularly around International Women’s Day mobilisations. In Albania, feminist activists and journalists were targeted with disinformation and sexist smear campaigns, including attacks against reporters covering corruption. In Serbia, protests were framed as political manipulation,

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Türkiye: Journalist Detained on “Misinformation” Charges Sparks Press Freedom Concerns

A Turkish court’s decision to jail investigative journalist İsmail Arı has drawn strong criticism from media freedom advocates, who warn of growing pressure on independent journalism in Turkey. Detained on charges of spreading “misinformation,” Arı is seen by rights groups as being targeted for reporting on sensitive issues, including corruption and religious networks. Advocacy organisations

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