10.01.2025 – Four Years in Prison: Calls Grow for the Release of Andrei Aliaksandrau

On 12 January 2025 it will be four years since Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau (Андрэй Аляксандраў) was detained and imprisoned in Belarus. His case is reminiscent of ongoing attacks on independent journalism and human rights in Belarus.

Aliaksandrau, born 1978, a well-known journalist and media freedom advocate, was arrested on 12 January 2021. The Belarusian authorities accused him of paying fines on behalf of protesters who were detained during the mass pro-democracy protests that followed the highly disputed 2020 presidential election. The state claimed that such financial assistance amounted to “organizing and financing unlawful protests.” Aliaksandrau later faced additional charges of “high treason,” and in October 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison and a fine of 32,000 BYN (around 9,500 EUR). Charges were according to following articles of the Criminal Law of Belarus: Article 342— Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them; Art. 243 — Evasion of taxes and fees; Article 361-1— Creation of an extremist formation, or participation in it and Article. 356 — High treason. He is in prison in the Penal colony No. 1. These harsh sentences were part of a broader crackdown on dissents, including journalists and human rights defenders, arrested and persecuted in the past years.

International organizations, including ARTICLE 19 (https://www.article19.org/) and Index on Censorship (https://www.indexoncensorship.org/), have consistently advocated for the couple’s release. Both organizations launched the #FreeAndrei campaign to raise awareness about his plight and highlight the broader human rights violations in Belarus. The campaign includes video messages from journalists and human rights defenders calling for the release of the couple and all political prisoners in Belarus.

You can also sign the petition that was organized for Andrei here: https://freeandreiandirina.org/#home

During his time in detention, Aliaksandrau wrote a poem reflecting on his experience, which has since become a symbol of his resilience. Supporters are encouraged to share this poem and use the hashtag #FreeAndrei to amplify the call for his freedom.

You can hear the poem that Andrei wrote in Belarusian here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emMgFY_ijBI

You can hear the poem that Andrei wrote in English here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdfvVhwiQBI

Aliaksandrau is known for his extensive work in promoting press freedom. He previously cooperated with ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship and founded JournalBy.com(https://journalby.com/), an Belarusian media platform. He also collaborated with various human rights organizations, advocating for freedom of expression in the region.

Since his detention, his communication with the outside world has been limited. Supporters have reported difficulties in sending letters, as it appears that political prisoners in Belarus often do not receive correspondence. Despite this, Aliaksandrau remains a symbol of courage for many, with a clear conscience about his actions.

The 2020 Belarusian presidential election, which sparked the protests leading to Aliaksandrau’s arrest, was marred by widespread allegations of fraud. The subsequent crackdown on peaceful protesters resulted in over 30,000 arrests, with many journalists and human rights defenders facing harsh prison sentences.

As the fourth anniversary of their detention approaches, the fight for their freedom remains a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Belarus.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the continued unjust imprisonment of Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau, as well as the ongoing repression of press freedom in Belarus. The baseless charges and harsh sentences handed down to Andrei reflect a blatant violation of human rights and a deliberate attack on independent journalism. SEEMO stands in solidarity with him and all political prisoners in Belarus, reiterating the urgent call for their immediate and unconditional release. SEEMO will be closely monitoring their situation and the broader crackdown on media freedom in Belarus to ensure that these grave injustices do not go unnoticed.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech#southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #belarus #AndreiAliaksandrau #indexoncensorship #article19 #JournalBy.com #FreeAndrei #journalistinprison #jailedjournalist #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The social media accounts of several prominent Kurdish news outlets, including Mezopotamya Agency (MA – http://mezopotamyaajansi35.com/en), JINNEWS (https://jinnews.net/en), and Yeni Yaşam (https://yeniyasamgazetesi5.com/), have been blocked in Türkiye / Turkey. Access to these accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube has been restricted.

The Mezopotamya Agency’s (@MAturkce) X account, which has over 263,000 followers, and its YouTube channel with 148,000 users, were blocked in Turkey following requests from Turkish authorities. Similarly, JINNEWS’s X account (@jinnewsturkce),with over 167,000 followers and Yeni Yaşam X newspaper’s account – Yeni Yaşam Gazetesi (@yeniyasamgazete) with 125,000 followers were also made inaccessible in Türkiye / Turkey. In addition, Yeni Yaşam’s website has faced repeated restrictions, with two blocks imposed in the last month. As reaction JINNEWS opened a new X account: @JinNews_turkce

The blocking of these accounts follows broader concerns about government interference in digital platforms and growing repression of independent media in the country. Press freedom advocates argue that such moves are part of a larger campaign to silence dissent and control information in Türkiye / Turkey highly polarized media landscape.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the blocking of the social media accounts of Mezopotamya Agency, JINNEWS, and Yeni Yaşam, viewing these actions as clear attempts to suppress press freedom and restrict independent journalism in Türkiye / Turkey. Silencing news outlets through social media bans undermines the public’s right to access diverse information and violates fundamental democratic principles. SEEMO will closely monitor these developments and continue advocating for the protection of press freedom and journalists’ rights across the region.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #turkey #MezopotamyaAgency #JINNEWS #YeniYaşam #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The end of 2024 and the start of 2025 has been overshadowed by escalating threats and attacks on journalists in Serbia: threats against Nenad Kulačin and Marko Vidojković, the authors of the satirical show Dobar, loš, zao (Good, Bad, Evil – DLZ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gd1g9GvN6U), campaign against Dinko Gruhonjić, a journalist, writer, and lecturer for journalism at the University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia, and graffiti against Zoran Kesić , comedian, TV presenter, talk-show host and political commentator, host of the show 24 minuta sa Zoranom Kesićem (https://www.youtube.com/@24minutaofficial).

Kulačin and Vidojković received on 2 January 2025 disturbing death threats, prompting them to report the incidents to authorities. The threats, posted as comments on their YouTube channel, included chilling messages such as promises to “shave them dry to make them whine better” and to “put them in a meat grinder”.

“These threats are particularly concerning given the political climate in Serbia,” Kulačin stated for Danas newspaper (https://www.danas.rs/). “We’ve faced vile insults in the past, but the intensity of these latest threats is alarming.” He called on authorities to take these threats seriously and work to eradicate such behavior, emphasizing that journalists should not be subjected to such dangers for producing satirical content.

You can read the interview for Danas here: https://www.danas.rs/vesti/drustvo/kulacin-vidojkovic-pretnje/

You can watch the show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lyL-g8ZK3M

Vidojković, who has been living outside of Serbia due to safety concerns, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the judicial system, claiming that previous cases against perpetrators only resulted in further harassment of the victims. Vidojković is also book author and regularly writes for the daily Danas in Belgrade.

Another media figure, Zoran Kesić, faced targeted harassment through graffiti across Belgrade. At least 200 graffiti are written all over the center of Belgrade, Serbia: “1.11.2024. Zoran Kesić – Show must go on”. First inscriptions were seen on 26 December 2024. Till today there is no visible activity by Serbian authorities to expose the perpetrators, nor have the competent city of Belgrade services intervened to clean the buildings from the intimidating graffiti. The Association of Independent Electronic Media (Asocijacija nezavisnih elektronskih medija – ANEM) has filed a misdemeanor and criminal complaint with the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova Republike Srbije – MUP Srbije) for the writing of disturbing graffiti targeting Zoran Kesić. “This is clearly a large-scale operation aimed at destroying property, discrediting the city and harassing Zoran Kesić and his family…. We have never had an operation targeting a journalist on this scale when it comes to writing graffiti,” ANEM stated.

In a campaign in Serbia Dinko Gruhonjić is called an “extreme Serbo-hater”, an ” Ustašophile ” (Ustaše was a fascist and ultranationalist organization in Croatia active between 1929 and 1945) and an agent of the SOA (Sigurnosno-obavještajna agencija – Security and Intelligence Agency – Republic of Croatia). The organizers of this campaign also cited as evidence that his son is studying in Croatia.

These alarming incidents underscore the need for a robust response from authorities to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in Serbia. Without decisive action, the threats against journalists could continue to escalate, posing a significant threat to democracy and the rule of law in the country.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the escalating threats and attacks targeting journalists in Serbia including death threats directed at Nenad Kulačin and Marko Vidojković, harassment of Zoran Kesić through organized graffiti campaigns and the campaign against Dinko Gruhonjić. SEEMO views these incidents as serious violations of press freedom and an alarming attempt to silence critical voices in the media. SEEMO calls on Serbian authorities to take immediate action to identify and prosecute those responsible for these threats and ensure the safety of journalists. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to advocating for the protection of media professionals across the region.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #dobarloszao #markovidojkovic #nenadkulacin #24minuta #zorankesic #danas #journalistattack #napadnanovinare #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Belarusian Journalist Sergey Chabotska Detained Under Ongoing Repression of Independent Media

Sergey Chabotska (Сяргей Чабоцька), born 1983, the owner and editor-in-chief of the Grodno /Grodna / Hrodna -based (Гродна), Belarus, news website s13.ru, has been behind bars since 23 October 2023. His prolonged detention highlights the escalating crackdown on independent media in Belarus, where authorities continue to silence critical voices by labeling journalists and media outlets as “extremist formations.” He is in the prison No. 1 in Hrodna with more than 20 other political prisoners.

You can read Belarusian Association of Journalists (Беларускаяасацыяцыяжурналістаў – BAJ) article about this case here: https://baj.media/be/sjargeja-chabocku-pryznali-palitychnym-vjaznem/

Chabotska was initially detained on 23 October 2024 after which both the s13.ruwebsite and its social media channels ceased updates. On 25 October 2024 he was sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest under Article 19.11 of the Belarusian Administrative Violations Code, which penalizes the dissemination of so-called “extremist materials.” The charges reportedly stemmed from archived articles on the website that featured a logo of another media outlet previously blacklisted by Belarusian authorities as extremist.

Following his initial arrest, the Leninsky District (Ленинскийрайон) Court of Grodno handed down additional sentences to Chabotska. On 6 November 2024 he was sentenced to another 15 days of administrative detention under Article 24.23, which punishes violations of the legal procedures for holding public gatherings. On 22 November 2024 Chabotska was sentenced to a third consecutive 15-day term for allegedly distributing extremist content.

Despite the completion of his administrative arrests on 7 December 2024 Chabotska was not released. It is believed that his detention has now escalated to criminal proceedings, though no details have been publicly disclosed. Rights groups suspect that he may be facing charges under more serious statutes, a tactic frequently used by Belarusian authorities to keep dissidents in detention indefinitely.

On 28 October 2024 the Grodno court officially declared s13.ru and its associated Telegram channels as “extremist materials,” effectively banning the content and criminalizing any interaction with the website. Just a few days later, on 6 November 2024 the Belarusian Committee for State Security (Комитетгосударственнойбезопасности – KGB) designated s13.ru as an “extremist formation,” implicatingChabotska as part of this group.

The charges are for the creation of an extremist formation, or participation in it under Art. 361-1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus

The Belarusian human rights community has condemned the government’s arbitrary use of “extremism” labels to criminalize journalists, activists, and citizens critical of the regime. Media outlets, including Hrodna.life (https://hrodna.life/), have reported on Chabotska’s case, noting that the crackdown on media in Grodno is part of a broader national effort to suppress freedom of speech.

The s13.ru portal, which started as a blog in 2005 and grew into a popular local news aggregator, served as a vital source of information in Grodno for nearly two decades. Its closure marks another blow to media pluralism in Belarus.

The ongoing persecution of journalists and media outlets under the guise of “extremism” laws is part of a wider strategy by Belarusian authorities to stifle dissent. The detention of Chabotska and other media professionals highlights the critical state of press freedom in Belarus, where expressing independent opinions is increasingly being criminalized.

The case of Sergey Chabotska is yet another alarming example of the deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus. Independent journalists must be allowed to work without fear of imprisonment. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will continue to monitor Chabotska’s case, as also all other cases in Belarus, and calls for his immediate release, urging the international community to increase pressure on Belarusian authorities to end their relentless attacks on press freedom.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #belarus #SergeyChabotska #s13.ru #journalistinprison #jailedjournalist#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Journalist Žaklina Tatalović (@zaklina_prva), working for N1 TV (https://n1info.rs/) in Serbia, shared on 30 December 2024 on social media threats and offensive messages she received from one Facebook account. The messages, included severe insults and vulgar language, targeting Tatalović’s dignity and even involving offensive remarks about her family. The author of the messages reportedly called her a “traitorous scum,” prompting Tatalović to make the messages public online.

You can read the N1 article here: https://n1info.rs/vesti/reporterka-n1-zaklina-tatalovic-dobila-pretnje-na-drustvenim-mrezama/

You can also see the post from ŽaklinaTatalović on X here: https://x.com/zaklina_prva/status/1873730684633960706

Following the public backlash, the owner of this Facebook account issued, on the same day, an apology to Tatalović, claiming his Facebook account had been hacked and that he was surprised and shocked by what was written. In an Email sent to the N1 newsroom, he stated that he was shocked to see the offensive messages and insisted he did not write them. He extended his public apology to Tatalović, to N1 TV, and Nova S TV, as well as to anyone else affected.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) calls on relevant authorities in Serbia to thoroughly investigate this incident including examining the details of the possible hacking of the account, from which IP address the Facebook account was logged in and who is the author of the threat. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case and supporting efforts to protect media professionals from further harassment.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation
#ngo #journalist #serbia #n1 #zaklinatatalovic #journalistattack #napadnanovinare#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expresses its solidarity with the brave journalists currently detained in Belarus for their commitment to truth and free expression. Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy, and the imprisonment of journalists represents a direct assault on freedom of the press and human rights.

According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (Беларуска яасацыяцыя журналістаў- BAJ – https://baj.media/en/) list, the following individuals are among those unjustly imprisoned for their journalistic work in Belarus:

Katsiaryna Andreeva (Кацярына Андрэева)
Ihar Losik (Ігар Лосік)
Andrei  Aliaksandrau (Андрэй Аляксандраў)
Dzianis Ivashyn (Дзяніс Івашын)
Andrej Pachobut (Andrzej Poczobut) (Анджэй Пачобут)
Maryna Zolatava (Марына Золатава), Tut.by
Liudmila Chekina (Людміла Чэкіна), Tut.by
Valerija Kastsiugova (Валерыя Касцюгова), editor of “Belarusian Yearbook,” analyst
Dzmitryi Navazhylau (Дзмітрый Наважылаў), ex-director of BelaPAN (https://belapan.by/)
Iryna Slaunikava (Ірына Слаўнікава)
Andrei Kuznechyk (Андрэй Кузнечык) journalist Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL – https://www.rferl.org/)
Siarhei Satsuk (Сяргей Сацук) editor of Ej.by
Kanstantsin Zalatykh (Канстанцін Залатых) director of the newspaper Belorusyi Rynok (https://belmarket.by/)
Ales Aliaksandr Liubianchuk (Алесь Аляксандр Любянчук)
Ivan Murauyou (Іван Мураўёў)
Pavel Mazheika (Павел Мажэйка)
Yauhen Merkis (Яўген Меркіс)
Dzmitry Semchanka (Дзмітрый Семчанка), ex-journalist ONT TV (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSdJIet8Oi-8vZ1L2cxOdBA)
Andrei Famin (Андрэй Фамін) editor of small-circulation newspapers “Vesnik”
Larysa Shchyrakova (Ларыса Шчыракова)
Pavel Padabed (Павел Падабед)
Viachaslau Lazarau (Вячаслаў Лазараў)
Aliaksandr Mantsevich (Аляксандр Манцэвіч)
Ihar Karnei (Ігар Карней)
Aliaksandr Ziankou (Аляксандр Зянкоў)
Ales Sabaleuski (Алесь Сабалеўскі)
Yauhen Hlushkou (Яўген Глушкоў)
Aliaksandr Ihnatsiuk (Аляксандр Ігнацюк)
Ales Marchanka (Алесь Марчанка)
Anton Kazelski (Антон Казельскі)
Alena Tsimashchuk (Алена Цімашчук)
Yauhen Nikalaevich (Яўген Нікалаевіч)
Damiil Palianski (Данііл Палянскі)
Ihar Ilyash (Ігар Ільяш)
Volha Radzivonava (Вольга Радзівонава)
Siarhei Chabotska (Сяргей Чабоцька)
Andrei Tolchyn (Андрэй Толчын)
Workers of the Intex-Press editorial office

You can read the BAJ article with list here: https://baj.media/en/aglyady-manitoringi/repressions-against-journalists-belarus-2024-list-colleagues-prison/

SEEMO acknowledges and deeply appreciates the efforts of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) in documenting these cases and advocating for their colleagues rights. Their vigilance and tireless work to shed light on the plight of detained journalists are commendable and indispensable in the fight for press freedom.

SEEMO calls on the Belarusian authorities to release all detained journalists immediately and unconditionally, and SEEMO urges the international community to stand united in defense of those who have been unjustly silenced. SEEMO remains committed to monitoring the situation and amplifying the voices of our courageous colleagues in Belarus.

Journalism is not a crime. It is a vital service to society, and the detention of these individuals underscores the urgent need for solidarity, advocacy, and action in support of press freedom.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #belarus #journalistinjail #jailedjournalist #baj#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala, 29, has been detained in Tehran, Iran, since 19 December2024while working on assignment under a valid journalist visa. Sala, a correspondent for Il Foglio (https://www.ilfoglio.it/) and contributor to Chora Media’s podcast Stories (https://choramedia.com/podcast/stories/), was arrested by Iranian authorities and placed in solitary confinement at Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, a facility allegedly notorious for holding political prisoners and facing allegations of human rights abuses. The arrest, initially undisclosed, was confirmed by Iran’s Ministry of Culture, which claimed Sala had violated local laws but did not specify the charges.

The Italian Foreign Ministry, led by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, is actively working to secure her release, with Ambassador Paola Amadei visiting Sala in prison and confirming her well-being. Sala has been allowed limited communication with her family, making two phone calls since her detention. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, though Tajani acknowledged the complexity of the situation.

Chora Media and Il Foglio have demanded Sala’s immediate release, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. Sala’s arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations and human rights groups which criticized Iran’s practice of detaining foreign journalists as leverage in international disputes.

The timing of Sala’s detention has raised questions about possible political motivations. Just days before her arrest, Italy detained an Iranian Revolutionary Guard member at the request of the United States, linked to alleged sanctions violations and a drone attack that killed United States (U.S.) servicemen in Jordan. Iran has a history of detaining foreign nationals as bargaining tools, a claim Tehran denies.

Cecilia Sala, born on 26 July 1995 in Rome, Italy, is a renowned Italian journalist specializing in political and war reporting. She began her career in 2015 as a correspondent for Vice (https://www.vice.com/en/) and later worked with prominent outlets such as La7’s Servizio pubblico (https://www.la7.it/servizio-pubblico/rivedila7), L’Espresso (https://lespresso.it/), Vanity Fair (https://www.vanityfair.com/), Radiotelevisioneitaliana(RAI – https://www.rai.it/\), and Fremantle Media (https://www.fremantle.it/). Since 2019, Sala has been associated with Il Foglio while contributing to the Huffington Post (https://www.huffpost.com/), Mondadori (https://www.mondadorigroup.com/), and Chora Media. As a war correspondent, she has reported from conflict zones in Afghanistan during the 2021 Taliban offensive, Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian War, Iran, including the 2024 Iran-Israel conflict. Her work also includes coverage of crises in Venezuela and Chile, showcasing her dedication to international journalism.

The international community continues to watch closely as Italy intensifies diplomatic efforts to ensure Sala’s safe return.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the arrest and detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala by Iranian authorities, calling it a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights. Sala, an experienced war correspondent with a valid journalist visa, was unjustly detained in Tehran and held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison. Journalism is not a crime, and her arrest represents an unacceptable attempt to silence independent reporting. SEEMO demands her immediate and unconditional release and urges the international community to pressure Iran to respect media freedom. SEEMO will closely monitor the situation to ensure justice is served and Sala’s rights are upheld.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #italy #CeciliaSala #iran #tehran #IlFoglio #journalistinjail #journalistdetained #jailedjournalist#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The recent trial that started on 29 December 2024 against journalist Snežana Đurić from the investigative portal Pištaljka (https://pistaljka.rs/) raises serious concerns about press freedom and the misuse of legal mechanisms to suppress critical reporting in Serbia. One individual has demanded punishment for Đurić, alleging that her reporting caused him emotional distress. The individual claims defamation due to the publication of his photo, sourced from an official website. In addition to imprisonment, he seeks financial compensation exceeding 650,000 RSD (5557.98 EUR) for alleged reputational harm.

The lawsuit focuses on Đurić’s articles, relying on whistleblowers’ testimonies and official sources, including one Ministry and state prosecutors.

You can read Pištaljka article: https://pistaljka.rs/home/read/1117

During the court hearing at the Second Basic Court in Belgrade,Serbia,Đurić emphasized her role as a journalist committed to exposing the misuse of public resources and corruption by public officials. She argued that the lawsuit represents an abuse of the judicial system, aimed at curbing critical journalism rather than addressing any genuine harm.

Notably, prior to the hearing, court security removed a journalist from Euronews (https://www.euronews.rs/) who attempted to record proceedings, citing a directive from the court’s president. This action further highlights the opacity surrounding the case and raises questions about the judiciary’s role in ensuring transparency.

The next court session, where this individual and Pištaljka’s editor-in-chief Vladimir Radomirović are expected to testify, is scheduled for 10 March 2025. Advocates have condemned the trial as a tactic to retaliate against Đurić’s work. As Pištaljka’s lawyer, Duško Kovačević, stated, the lawsuit symbolizes an effort by a public figure to evade accountability and punish a journalist for fulfilling her professional duty to inform the public.

This case underscores the challenges faced by investigative journalists in Serbia, where legal tools are increasingly weaponized against those who dare to expose corruption and misuse of public funds.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the legal proceedings initiated against journalist Snežana Đurić of Pištaljka, viewing this case as a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence investigative journalism in Serbia. The misuse of judicial mechanisms to target a journalist for reporting on matters of public interest, including allegations of corruption and, is deeply concerning and undermines press freedom. SEEMO emphasizes that such actions set a dangerous precedent for media independence and the public’s right to access critical information. SEEMO will closely monitor this case and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that the judicial process upholds the principles of free expression and media rights.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #pistaljka #vladimiradomirovic #snezanadjuric #journalistinjail #journalistontrial #napadnanovinare#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

One individual from South Serbia has issued threats to members of the regional news agency JUGpress (https://jugpress.com/) over Facebook. These threats were posted in a comment on JUGpress’s Facebook page regarding an article about Leskovac high school students participating in a symbolic protest. The protest, which involved standing in silence for 15+1 minutes, honors victims of a tragedy at a railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, where a roof collapse claimed 15 lives on 1 November 2024. The extra minute commemorates a student from Leskovac tragically killed near his school on 27 November 2024.

You can read JUGpress article about the case here: https://jugpress.com/aktivista-sns-a-vulgarno-vredja-srednjoskolce-i-preti-lincom-novinarima-jugpress-a-zbog-pisanja-o-njihovom-protestu/

This person left an obscene and derogatory comment about the students who participate in the protest. After being warned against using such language he later was threatening JUGpress journalists.

Adding to the controversy, this individual has claimed on his Facebook profile to be affiliated with security agencies.

His aggressive conduct has persisted even after being questioned by police, and his Facebook activity reveals a close alignment with the Serbian Progressive Party (Srpska NaprednaStranka – SNS). His alignment with the ruling party raises further concerns about political motivations behind his threats and actions.

JUGpress journalists have expressed alarm for their safety and that of their families. Despite the intimidation, the media company remains committed to public-interest journalism, a mission it has upheld for 18 years. They urge Serbian authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior, to thoroughly investigate this person’s claims of security affiliations and whether his threats stem from deeper, politically motivated agendas.

This situation underscores the pressing need for accountability and protections for journalists in Serbia, ensuring freedom of expression and public safety remain uncompromised.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the threats and vulgar comments directed at high school students and journalists of the regional news agency JUGpress by one inividual. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a direct attack on freedom of expression, independent journalism, and the safety of those exercising their democratic rights. SEEMO urges the Serbian authorities to thoroughly investigate these threats and take immediate action to ensure the safety of the journalists and students involved. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to ensure accountability and to support the principles of press freedom and public safety.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #leskovac #jugpress #journalistattack #napadnanovinare#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 22 December 2024 Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama announced a one-year ban on TikTok, set to take effect in January 2025. The decision follows the tragic fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in November in Tirana, Albania, an incident reportedly linked to arguments between teens on social media platforms, including Snapchat and TikTok. This ban, part of a larger initiative to enhance school safety, has sparked a national debate over the influence of digital platforms on youth behavior.

Prime Minister Rama described TikTok as a platform with dangerous impacts, likening it to a “neighborhood thug.” He emphasized that the ban is not a reaction to a single event but a well-considered measure following consultations with educators and parents. The government has held over 1,300 meetings with stakeholders since the incident, aiming to address growing concerns about online content and its influence on children. Rama stressed that societal issues, amplified by platforms like TikTok, pose a serious threat to the younger generation.

TikTok has denied any connection to the incident, stating that its investigation found no evidence linking the victim or perpetrator to TikTok accounts. The company also pointed out that the videos in question were reportedly posted on another platform.

Many countries have introduced regulations for minors’ online activity, others have imposed outright bans on social media for children under 16.

Critics of the ban, including digital rights advocates, urge the Albanian government to consider alternative approaches, such as regulatory frameworks aligned with international standards like the EU’s Digital Services Act. They argue that restrictions should balance safety concerns with protecting fundamental freedoms, including the right to free expression.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the decision by the Albanian government to impose a one-year ban on TikTok, following the tragic death of a teenager in Tirana Albania. While we deeply sympathize with the family affected by this tragedy and acknowledge the importance of addressing harmful online behavior, such an extreme measure is setting a dangerous precedent for arbitrary censorship. It is also a clear pressure on freedom of expression, especially in using online media.

SEEMO urges the Albanian authorities to reconsider this disproportionate response and instead adopt regulatory measures that align with international standards, ensuring the protection of both public safety and fundamental rights. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that press freedom and digital rights are not undermined.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia,Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria),Montenegro, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #albania #tirana #tiktokban#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia