What's New

News and updates from BCSDN and the region

Transparency International Manual on “Protection of Activists After the Recriminalization of Defamation” in BiH

The manual designed to guide journalists and activists in Bosnia and Herzegovina amid recent legislation changes recriminalizing defamation and revealing personal details. It covers legal aspects and consequences, offering instructions for prevention, rights protection, and actions during investigations. The document focuses on two main segments: prevention and handling in case of investigation. Concrete guidance is

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BiH: Discrimination and Human Rights Violations Noted by Human Rights Watch

The 34th annual Human Rights Watch World Report for 2023 highlights a global decline in human rights, citing governments engaging in selective violent actions and transactional diplomacy. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, challenges include discriminatory electoral systems, restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community, inadequate protection for victims of gender-based violence, slow progress on war crime accountability, and

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ECNL Document on Changes to Recommendation 8 and FATF Best Practices Translated into Albanian

The document discusses changes to Recommendation 8 and the best Practices Paper of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during 2023. It emphasizes that countries should periodically identify organizations within the non-profit sector involved in the functional definition of FATF and assess the terrorism financing risks present in the sector. Countries are advised to implement

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Croatia: Journalists’ Association Opposes a Law that Threatens Press Freedom

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

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Civil Society Europe: Concerns on EP Report on Transparency & Accountability of NGOs Funded by the EU

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

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Turkey: CPJ Welcomes Turkish Court’s Annulment of Law that Allowed Takedown of Online News

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

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BiH: Dodik’s New Threat Just as EU Hopes Grow

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,

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Serbia: Networking and Financial Support in the Fight Against SLAPPs

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.

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North Macedonia: Survey on Assessing Government Action Plan for Civil Society Development (DDL: 25 January)

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

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Croatia: Strengthening Penalties for Domestic Violence, Introducing Femicide Into Law

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

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Turkey: Sputnik Turkey Journalists Extend Strike for Fair Pay and Rights

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

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