The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and partner organisations have called on Serbian authorities to revoke the expulsion order and entry ban imposed on Massimo Moratti, a journalist and human rights advocate working with Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT). On 4 September 2026, Serbian authorities denied Moratti’s temporary residence application, citing “unacceptable security risks”, and ordered him to leave within 15 days, with a one-year entry ban. No further justification was provided. Moratti, who has worked on human rights and media freedom in the region for over two decades, appealed the decision on 10 September. The organisations consider the measure a form of administrative harassment potentially linked to his professional activities. They also highlight a broader pattern of residence permit refusals and expulsions targeting foreign journalists and civil society activists in Serbia, raising concerns about increasing restrictions on media freedom and civic space. Read more here.
Source: Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa
