20/10/2017: TURKEY – SEEMO CALLS ON TURKISH AUTHORITIES TO RELEASE OSMAN KAVALA

Vienna, 20/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed dismay after learning about the detention of prominent Turkish peace activist and businessman Osman Kavala on Wednesday, 18 October.

Kavala is known for his work with various NGOs and as the Board Chair of the Andalou Kultur (Anadolu Kültür) nonprofit, established by artists in 2002. He is also widely known for his pro-Armenian activities.

It was reported that he was detained during his return from a meeting of a project planned in cooperation with the German Goethe Institute.. He was detained overnight on 18-19 October without being given an actual reason at Istanbul airport. Police also entered the office of Anadolu Kultur Foundation and seized his laptop.

SEEMO deeply condemns the behavior and actions of Turkish authorities and calls on them to release Kavala from detention. Groundless arrests and detentions are a clear sign that institutions in the country have the objective of silencing journalists and all free thinkers at any cost.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.

Vienna, 16/10/2017

Dear President Juncker,
Dear President Tajani,
Dear President Tusk,
Dear Prime Minister Ratas,
Dear Prime Minister Borissov,
Dear Ministers,
Dear MEP Voss,
Dear MEP Boni,

The undersigned stakeholders represent fundamental rights organisations.

Fundamental rights, justice and the rule of law are intrinsically linked and constitute core values on which the EU is founded. Any attempt to disregard these values undermines the mutual trust between member states required for the EU to function. Any such attempt would also undermine the commitments made by the European Union and national governments to their citizens.

Article 13 of the proposal on Copyright in the Digital Single Market include obligations on internet companies that would be impossible to respect without the imposition of excessive restrictions on citizens’ fundamental rights.

Article 13 introduces new obligations on internet service providers that share and store user-generated content, such as video or photo-sharing platforms or even creative writing websites, including obligations to filter uploads to their services. Article 13 appears to provoke such legal uncertainty that online services will have no other option than to monitor, filter and block EU citizens’ communications if they are to have any chance of staying in business.

Article 13 contradicts existing rules and the case law of the Court of Justice. The Directive of Electronic Commerce (2000/31/EC) regulates the liability for those internet companies that host content on behalf of their users. According to the existing rules, there is an obligation to remove any content that breaches copyright rules, once this has been notified to the provider.

Article 13 would force these companies to actively monitor their users‘ content, which contradicts the ‘no general obligation to monitor‘ rules in the Electronic Commerce Directive. The requirement to install a system for filtering electronic communications has twice been rejected by the Court of Justice, in the cases Scarlet Extended (C 70/10) and Netlog/Sabam (C 360/10). Therefore, a legislative provision that requires internet companies to install a filtering system would almost certainly be rejected by the Court of Justice because it would contravene the requirement that a fair balance be struck between the right to intellectual property on the one hand, and the freedom to conduct business and the right to freedom of expression, such as to receive or impart information, on the other.

In particular, the requirement to filter content in this way would violate the freedom of expression set out in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. If internet companies are required to apply filtering mechanisms in order to avoid possible liability, they will. This will lead to excessive filtering and deletion of content and limit the freedom to impart information on the one hand, and the freedom to receive information on the other.

If EU legislation conflicts with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, national constitutional courts are likely to be tempted to disapply it and we can expect such a rule to be annulled by the Court of Justice. This is what happened with the Data Retention Directive (2006/24/EC), when EU legislators ignored compatibility problems with the Charter of Fundamental Rights. In 2014, the Court of Justice declared the Data Retention Directive invalid because it violated the Charter.

Taking into consideration these arguments, we ask the relevant policy-makers to delete Article 13.

Signatories:
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties)
European Digital Rights (EDRi)
Access Info
ActiveWatch
Article 19
Associação D3 – Defesa dos Direitos Digitais
Associação Nacional para o Software Livre (ANSOL)
Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
Association for Technology and Internet (ApTI)
Asociación de Internautas
Association of the Defence of Human Rights in Romania (APADOR)
Associazione Antigone
Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC)
Bits of Freedom (BoF)
BlueLink Foundation
Bulgarian Helsinki Committee
Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT)
Centre for Peace Studies
Centrum Cyfrowe
Coalizione Italiana Libertà e Diritti Civili (CILD)
Code for Croatia

COMMUNIA

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
epicenter.works
Estonian Human Rights Centre
Freedom of the Press Foundation
Frënn vun der Ënn
Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights
Hermes Center for Transparency and Digital Human Rights
Human Rights Monitoring Institute
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights Without Frontiers
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union
Index on Censorship
International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR)
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
JUMEN – Human Rights Work in Germany
Justice & Peace
La Quadrature du Net
Media Development Centre
Miklos Haraszti (Former OSCE Media Representative)
Modern Poland Foundation
Netherlands Helsinki Committee
One World Platform
Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI)
Open Rights Group (ORG)
OpenMedia
Panoptykon
Plataforma en Defensa de la Libertad de Información (PDLI)
Reporters without Borders (RSF)
Rights International Spain
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM)
Statewatch
The Right to Know Coalition of Nova Scotia (RTKNS)
Xnet
CC: Permanent and Deputy Permanent Representatives of the Members States to the EU

CC: Chairs of the JURI and LIBE Committees in the European Parliament

CC: Shadow Rapporteurs and MEPs in the JURI and LIBE Committees in the European Parliament

CC: Secretariats of the JURI and LIBE Committees in the European Parliament

CC: Secretariat of the Council Working Party on Intellectual Property (Copyright)

CC: Secretariat of the Council Working on Competition

CC: Secretariat of the Council Research Working Party

Vienna, 16/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed harsh criticism for the lack of action by the government of Kyrgyzstan, which seems to do very little when it comes to the protection of rights and freedoms of journalists in the country.

On 15 October, NTS TV camera operator Mirbek Aitikeev was physically attacked by unknown perpetrators in the city of Osh. His mobile phone was stolen by the assaulters. Two AKIpress journalists had their equipment confiscated; they only later managed to retrieve it. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Sanjar Eraliev and his colleague Ydyrys Isakov were repeatedly verbally abused and threatened upon their arrival into another precinct.

SEEMO is deeply critical of the sheer number of media freedom violations in Kyrgyzstan and the lack of protection for media workers in general. SEEMO calls on institutions in the country to react and show their dedication to the preservation of human rights and free speech. The current situation is detrimental to the media atmosphere in the country and must be tackled with as soon as possible.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe.

Vienna, 16/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed deep dismay after prominent blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb explosion as she left her home in Bidnija, Malta.

Police say Galizia died instantly after the car bomb attack around 15:00 today, 16 October. The explosion blew her vehicle into several pieces.

The blogger earlier had accused the island’s government of corruption, and she was previously investigating the connection between PM Joseph Muscat and his wife to the Panama Papers scandal. Muscat denounced her murder.

In March of this year, Silvio Debono, owner of real estate investment company DB Group, filed 19 libel cases against the blogger. Formerly, Galizia had published a number of articles about Debono’s alleged deals with Malta’s government for taking over high value public land in order to build a Hard Rock Hotel and two towers for sale.

Galizia filed a police report 15 days ago claiming she was being threatened.

“We were devastated to learn that in Malta, SEEMO’s newest member, such a horrific murder could take place. We call on authorities in the country to immediately allow a transparent look into the investigation of this death which they surely have already launched. It is distressing to know that investigative journalists and bloggers face actual risks to their lives and safety just because of their work. Truth should not cause death” Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General said today.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission. Malta will be from January 2018 SEEMO member state.

Vienna, 13/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemned an attack on Vehbi Kajtazi, the editor of online newsportal Insajderi in Prishtina, Kosovo.

Kajtazi was attacked today on 13 October at around 14:30 in a bar in the center of the city. There are no specific details about the assault yet, but local media have published images of the editor with blood on his forehead. He also stated that he had identified his attacker and cited the reason for the attack as his work.

This attack comes only two months after the attack on Parim Olluri, who is also an editor for Insajderi.

It was revealed that after police interrogated people sitting near Kajtazi’s assailant, they took a suspect to the police station.

Kajzari is known for his stories regarding corruption and crime in Kosovo.

SEEMO calls on authorities in Kosovo to react accordingly and launch an investigation followed by penalties for the attacker. It is deeply troubling that media workers can be assaulted in the daylight and in public without a possibility of suffering any repercussions, if their political connections are strong enough. Institutions in the country must prove that they are ready and willing to work on the protection of human rights and freedom of speech.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.

Vienna, 13/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) was appalled to learn that Croatian journalist Drago Miljus (Drago Miljuš) was attacked in the town of Split.

On 10 October, Miljus was in Split covering a story about a potential suicide bomber who later unfortunately went through with his threats. During the coverage, a police officer began verbally provoking the journalist, which evolved into pushing, after which the policeman threw Miljus’ mobile phone into the sea. Then a special police force member attacked Miljus physically, hitting him and knocking him to the ground.

The journalist received medical assistance after the attack.

It was revealed today, 13 October, that the policemen in question were suspended from their positions and were to be penalized for their actions.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.

Vienna, 12/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed support for the protest organised by the Bulgarian section of the Association of European Journalists held yesterday, 11 October, in front of the National Assembly.

Journalists in the country decided to rally after Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simenov recently accused Bulgaria’s main electronic media – private broadcasters NOVA TV and BTV, as well as public television and radio – of having led a “massive smear campaign” against him. This was a result of days of tension between the ruling party and the media in the country. Simenov was recently a guest of a TV morning show along with another MP, during which he threatened the host by alluding he could have him fired.

“Journalists can and must stand up to political pressure, and we support our colleagues in Bulgaria who have done so” Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General said today. “The conceited notions that Bulgarian politicians seem to have, according to which they are allowed to accuse journalists, use hate speech and present themselves as victims is absurd. We condemn their behavior and call on institutions in the country to better regulate the pressures journalists face politically” Vujovic added.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.

Vienna, 11/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed grave concern for the wellbeing and freedom of journalist Narzullo Akhunjonov from Uzbekistan, ater the arrest at Kiev airport and subsequent detention to Uzbekistan.

Akhunjonov’s arrest has caused a public outcry, with human and media rights groups claiming that there are no grounds for his arrest or his continuous incarceration. According to sources, the journalist’s health has been deteriorating as he has been held in Ukrainian custody since 20 September when he and his family attempted to seek asylum there. He has been refused access to a doctor during his detention in Ukraine,

Akhunjonov has been facing politically motivated charges of bribery and fraud for over 20 years. He left Uzbekistan in 2013 and fled to Turkey, but after the situation there had deteriorated, he attempted to seek political asylum in Ukraine with his five and children.

SEEMO urges authorities in Ukraine to release the journalist from custody and not adhere to the undemocratic demands made by Uzbekistan. By returning the journalist to his home country, he, as well as his family, will suffer further pressures and attacks. It is unacceptable for journalists to be treated like currency and exchanged among countries.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe.

Vienna, 10/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed criticism after members of the Bulgarian government implicitly threatened a journalist of NOVA TV during a TV show. </p>

On 6 October, Nova Televizia morning talk show host Viktor Nikolaev was part of a debate with GERB lawmaker and parliament member Anton Todorov and Deputy Prime Minister Valeri Simeonov. The journalist posed questions regarding the recent purchase of a fighter jet for the Bulgarian Air Force and also questioned the disreputable appointments of the MP’s friends and family during recent local elections, which was a point of discussion in the Parliament as well.

Todorov, who was involved in the recent jet purchase, responded by accusing Nikolaev of “shaking the state” with his inquiry and “using very strong words” and alluded to the fact that the journalists’ former colleague Anna Tsolova had been removed from the program, and Nikoalev will also soon be removed. The lawmaker added that “they will eat your bread; they have already taken your colleagues’ bread”.

Deputy Prime Minister Simeonov asked the host how he was appointed at Nova TV by stating, “don’t you have relatives? Aren’t they working somewhere? Where do they work?”, implying that the journalist had been employed through connections. Simeonov also added that “if he had evil intentions, he could make a scandal out of it”. <br><br>

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe and its press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.

Vienna, 08/10/2017

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expressed deep concern regarding recent incidents and the overall media atmosphere in Russia.

Yesterday, 7 October, was the anniversary of the brutal murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya. Despite some progress having been made in the case, the eleven years that have passed since her death have not brought any closure. In 2014, five court sentences were handed to individuals proven to be involved in the murder of Politkovskaya, but the actual identities of the individuals who ordered it have yet to be established.

On 29 September, the Russian media regulatory agency Roskomnadzor summoned representatives of the company Turner Informatsionnye Programmy I Stil Zhizni, which broadcasts CNN International in Russia. They were issued an official warning over alleged “violations of media law” according to the regulator. The Roskomnadzor statement says that “the activities of the CNN International television channel revealed violations of the media legislation in Russia, for which administrative liability is provided in accordance with the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.”

A day prior to this, on 28 September, CNN reported about Russia buying ads on the social network Facebook during the 2016 presidential campaign in the USA. Some of the ads were allegedly targeting African Americans and using racial violence and hate speech.

“Recent weeks and months have brought a new level of tension in Russian media, and we call on authorities in the country to begin work on allowing outlets and journalists to function freely and without pressures” SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated today. “The challenges which media workers face in Russia today cast a shadow on freedom of speech and thought. We urge institutions in the country to help us alleviate some of these concerns by allowing media to function independently and without governmental meddling” Vujovic added.

SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South, East and Central Europe.