19.06.2024 – Media Exclusion ad Lebane, Serbia, Visitor Center

Regional news agency Jugpress (https://jugpress.com/), known for its coverage of southern Serbia, has brought attention to an issue regarding the opening of a visitor center in Lebane, Serbia. On 17 June 2024, local media outlets from Leskovac, Serbia, were notably absent from the event, which was inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of Serbia who is now the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament. According to reports from Jugpress, efforts to inform media from the southern region about the event were purportedly managed exclusively by former Prime Ministers office, effectively excluding them from covering and informing the public.

The South East Europe Media Organisation expresses concern over potential violations of Serbia’s Public Information Law if the exclusion of local journalists was indeed deliberate. SEEMO emphasized the importance of upholding journalistic freedoms and ensuring equitable access to information for all media outlets across the country. Jugpress called for accountability in adhering to legal standards of media access and transparency in governmental communication practices.

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 #lebane #jugpress #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Vladimir Mitrić, a journalist who is working for Novosti daily (https://www.novosti.rs/c) from Loznica, Serbia, has found himself embroiled in a legal saga spanning over 18 years. The long-standing dispute with a former police officer convicted of assaulting him continues, as the convicted persistently evaded paying court-ordered expenses.
Vladimir Mitrić is living under constant police protection.

This ongoing legal battle not only underscores the individual debt owed to him but also raises concerns about systemic issues. Mitrić’s frustration extends beyond personal grievances, pointing out that allegedly even state dues from the convicted individual remain outstanding, despite inquiries directed at the local judiciary.

The origins of Mitrić’s ordeal date back to 12 September 2005 when he was brutally attacked just steps away from a gathering where four off-duty policemen were present, alongside individuals with purported ties to law enforcement. This assault, preceded by a series of threats and vehicle vandalism, prompted authorities to provide Mitrić with continuous police protection, citing its alleged direct linkage to his investigative journalism. His reporting, ranging from environmental abuses along the Drina River to alleged organized crime, has frequently placed him at odds with powerful interests, earning him both accolades for journalistic courage and enduring threats to his safety.

From 1985 to 1986, Vladimir Mitrić worked as a journalist for the newspaper “Za Pobedu,” the voice of the Third Army of the Yugoslav People’s Army. He continued as a journalist at RTV “Podrinje” (https://rtvpodrinje.rs/) in Loznica from 1988 to 1995, also serving as a war reporter for TV Novi Sad and an honorary collaborator with “Večernje Novosti” and Radio Belgrade from 1992 to 1995. Since 1996, he has been a correspondent based in Loznica.

Mitrić has received several awards for his journalism, including the 2003 “Novosti” Annual Award, the 2006 “Milan Pantić” Award for journalistic courage, and the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award “Slobodan Glumac.” He is also a recipient of the Order of Saint Bishop Nikolaj, the Charter “Captain Miša Anastasijević,” and the Charter and Plaque of the City of Loznica, as well as commendations from the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC).

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring the case and is asking the Serbian authorities to help Mitrić to solve the problems.

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 #loznica #vladimirmitric

In Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac continues to endure a harrowing ordeal marked by threats and intimidation, prompting widespread concern over press freedom and safety in Republika Srpska, which is is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Miljanović-Zubac who is associated with Radio Television of Republika Srpska (Radio Televizija Republike Srpske – https://www.rtrs.tv/) has been subjected to a relentless campaign aimed at silencing her investigative reporting.

The saga began in the night from 14 to 15 June 2022 when her car was allegedly deliberately set afire in front of her home in Trebinje, an incident that remains unresolved. One year earlier, a Serbian politician, publicly insulted her a morning program, broadcasted on a TV channel in Serbia in February 2021.

Since then, the threats have escalated, with disturbing acts including the targeting of her home with infrared rays, verbal harassment by local figures, and even the placement of a doll with a severed head in front of her door.

Despite her appeals for protection and justice, Miljanović-Zubac has faced constant challenges. Authorities have been criticized for their inadequate response, failing to apprehend perpetrators or provide adequate security measures.

Efforts to seek justice have been complicated by alleged interference and delays in the investigative process. Miljanović-Zubac’s outspokenness on social media about alleged local criminal activities and the alleged involvement of certain individuals has further heightened tensions and risks to her safety.

In response to international scrutiny and calls for action, local authorities have pledged periodic surveillance of her residence, but these measures have not effectively curtailed the threats. Concerns over the adequacy of protective measures persist, with critics questioning the authorities’ commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists under threat.

Miljanović-Zubac’s imminent return to her journalistic duties at RTRS in Trebinje after more than 20 months on leave for health reasons underscores her determination to continue her work despite the risks. However, the unresolved threats and ongoing harassment highlight broader concerns about the climate for press freedom and safety in Republika Srpska.

The situation facing Miljanović-Zubac serves as a stark reminder of the challenges journalists often face in their pursuit of truth and accountability. As calls for justice grow louder, the need for effective measures to protect journalists and uphold press freedom in Republika Srpska remains urgent.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is closely monitoring the case of journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac. The threats and harassment she has endured are deeply concerning, reflecting broader challenges to press freedom and journalist safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina. SEEMO stands committed to advocating for her protection and ensuring that authorities uphold their responsibilities to safeguard journalists and uphold the principles of free speech and investigative journalism. SEEMO will continue to follow developments closely and advocate for justice in this troubling situation.

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 #bosniaandherzegovina #republikasrpska #natasamiljanoviczubac #rtrs #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Azim Deniz (@azim_deniz), owner of Deniz Postası (https://www.denizpostasi.com/) newspaper and Anadolu TV (https://www.anadolunettv.com/), was wounded in a shooting incident outside his home on 5 February 2024. The assailant was arrested but subsequently released four months later by the decision of the 2nd Criminal Court of Peace in Kayseri, Türkiye / Turkey with the court citing a “lack of suspicion of fleeing” as the reason for the release.

Deniz and his lawyer, AykanMazmanoğlu, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision, labeling it as both unfair and unjust. Mazmanoğlu has indicated that they intend to appeal the release in court.

The indictment from the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Kayseri charged the assailant with “attempted intentional homicide” and “buying, carrying, or possessing unlicensed firearms and bullets.” The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of 10 to 18 years.

On the morning of 5 February 2024, as Deniz was leaving his home, he was shot by the assailant, resulting in injuries to his leg and abdomen. Deniz was quickly taken to City Hospital in Kayseri for treatment. The attacker fled but was later apprehended in the Sorgun district of Yozgat, Türkiye / Turkey. Following his arrest, the court issued a warrant, and he was detained.

During interrogation, this individual allegedly confessed to shooting Deniz because of unfavorable news articles published about him in 2023. He allegedly claimed he had attempted to contact Deniz several times to request the removal of the articles but received no response. He allegedly stated that his initial intention was simply to talk, but he panicked, fearing that Deniz might be armed, and opened fire.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring the developments connected to the attack on Azim Deniz. The fact that his attacker was released after just four months in custody, despite being charged, is troubling, especially for the security of Deniz, as this was not the first attack on Deniz. On 8 April 2022, a group of 40-50 people raided the newsroom and studio of Deniz Postası in Kayseri. The group attacked Deniz. One month ago, in May, the 1st High Criminal Court in Kayseri sentenced 7 perpetrators from the incident to 11 years and 4 months in prison each.

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 #AzimDeniz #DenizPostası #AnadoluTV #journalistattacked#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 5 June 2024, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama allegedly accused the Italian newspaper Domani (https://www.editorialedomani.it/) of disseminating false information about Albania during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The conference followed a visit to an immigrant reception centers in Shengjin, Albania, where Rama allegedly criticized Domani.

Rama allegedly specifically targeted Domani’s articles which claimed that Albanian mafia clans control human trafficking in the areas where the reception centers are being constructed. He asserted that the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (SPAK) had not found any evidence to support the existence of such criminal activities in these regions or other part of Albania. According to Rama, SPAK, part of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust) network, confirmed that there are no conditions to label any region in Albania as criminal. Rama said also allegedly about Domani during the press conference: “I would like to express my relief to see you all here, safe and sound, in this area which, according to the Italian newspaper, Domani, is the heart of the underworld in Albania, where clans linked to human trafficking operate.” The report in Domani from this press conference, including report about Rama, is online: https://www.editorialedomani.it/fatti/meloni-albania-visita-centri-migranti-propaganda-elettorale-shengjin-gjader-ty2w0170

Rama’s comments were a direct response to Domani’s 1 June 2024 article titled “Emigrant Centers in Albania Were Raised in the Stronghold of Criminal Clans,” (https://www.editorialedomani.it/fatti/i-cpr-in-albania-eretti-nella-roccaforte-dei-clan-i-pm-e-la-rete-criminale-uqjww9k3) which highlighted SPAK’s recent operations in Lezhë, Albania municipality.

Rama’s defense was further complicated by Meloni’s support during the press conference, where she expressed solidarity with Rama and the Albanian people, when Albania decided to offer collaboration to Italy with centers for migrants coming to Italy from safe countries.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring the developments in Albania and Italy. SEEMO calls on political leaders to respect and uphold the principles of a free and independent press, which are essential for a functioning democracy.

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 #albania #italy #domani #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is asking Members of the Parliament (MP) in Slovakia to reject the proposed public service broadcasting law set for parliamentary review next week. The new structure would lead to the politicization of the broadcaster, violating the European Media Freedom Act.

The regulation, aiming to replace Radio and Television of Slovakia (RTVS – https://www.rtvs.sk/) with Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), is scheduled for parliamentary discussion next week. The draft prepared the final draft in May 2024.

If enacted, the bill would also lead to the premature removal of the current Director-General and supervisory board. The new Director-General would be appointed by the new STVR Board. The new STVR board should have nine members, five appointed by the Parliament and four by the Ministry of Culture. As result we would have a clear political control of the public media by the ruling party. The ruling coalition has allegedly frequently accused the public media and its journalists of bias, one side view and political activism, openly expressing its desire to exert control through this ‘reform.’

Furthermore, the law fails to secure adequate, stable, and independent funding essential for STVR’s independence and its public service mission. In 2023, Slovakia replaced the licence fee model with direct state funding, increasing the broadcaster’s reliance on the government.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the proposed public service broadcasting law in Slovakia, which threatens to undermine the independence of public media by enabling government control over the new entity, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR).

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 #slovakia #RTVS #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 5 June 2024, the accreditation was suspended for Maka Chikhladze, a journalist from TV Pirveli (https://tvpirveli.ge), upon the request of one member of Parliament. This action was reported by Radio Tavisupleba ( https://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/), the Georgian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. This incident is part of a broader pattern of accreditation suspensions targeting journalists from government-critical media outlets.

According to information from the ground, the accreditation was allegedly revoked for four journalists in less than a week, effectively barring critical media from covering parliamentary sessions. This includes two journalists from TV Pirveli, one from Formula (https://formula.ge/), and one from Mtavari Arkhi (https://mtavari.tv/). The suspensions were based on regulations introduced by one of the Parliamentary Speaker in March 2023.

TV Pirveli reported that Nata Kajaia and Maka Chikhladze had their accreditation revoked for a month. Chikhladze’s suspension followed one of the MP’s refusal to answer one question the journalists asked. Parliament claimed that the MP had not consented to an interview and banned Chikhladze for continuing to record him.

Nata Kajaia was stripped of her accreditation at the request of the other MP, who also claimed she recorded him without consent.

Similarly, Formula journalist Sopo Gozalishvili and Mtavari Arkhi’s Nino Balanchivadze were allegedly banned from covering sessions. Gozalishvili was barred for six months for pressing one of the MP’s for comments despite her refusal, while Balanchivadze was investigating potential United States (US) travel sanctions against a local official.

One of the MP’s recently made headlines for allegedly pressing charges against a citizen for shouting “traitor” at her. This incident highlights the growing tension between officials and the media.

The controversial regulations, effective since 1 March 2023, oblige journalists to terminate interviews if a member of parliament objects. Violation of this rule results in a one-month suspension, extendable to six months for repeated offenses. These rules have been appealed to the Constitutional Court, with plaintiffs arguing that they contradict the freedom of expression and press rights protected by the Georgian Constitution.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the Georgian Parliament’s recent actions against journalists from TV Pirveli, Formula, and Mtavari Arkhi. The suspension of their accreditations under the pretext of a restrictive regulations represents a blatant attempt to stifle media freedom and critical journalism. Such measures not only undermine the principles of free expression and the public’s right to information but also set a dangerous precedent for press intimidation. SEEMO calls on the Georgian authorities to reinstate the journalists’ accreditations and ensure that media professionals can operate without fear of retribution or censorship.

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 #georgia #tvpriveli #formula #MtavariArkhi #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 31 May 2024, the Regional Court in Brest (Брэст / Берасьце), Belarus, scheduled a trial for Alena Timashchuk (Алена Цімашчук). She is charged under three articles of the Criminal Code: discrediting the Republic of Belarus (Article 369-1), inciting hostility or enmity (Part 3 of Article 130), and participating in an extremist organization (Part 3 of Article 361-1). The name, surname, and patronymic of the accused match those of a local journalist who previously worked for the state newspaper “Brestsky Vestnik” (Брестский вестник – https://bvn.by) and the television and radio company “Brest” (Брэст – https://www.trkbrest.by/news/video/page/1270/).

Alena Timashchuk has also freelanced for regional publications such as “Vecherny Brest” (Вечерний Брест – https://vb.by/) “Brestsky Courier” (Брестский курьер) “Brestskaya Gazeta” (Брестская газета) the online publication “Virtual Brest” (Виртуальный Брест – https://virtualbrest.ru/) and the “Brest Green Portal” (Брестским зелёным порталом – https://greenbelarus.info).

Local journalists note that during her collaboration with independent media, Timashchuk did not write about political topics. She often produced advertising articles and wrote on psychology, in which she holds a degree.

The exact reason for the criminal prosecution of the journalist remains unknown.

The case is being presided over by a judge, who was appointed to the Brest Regional Court in November 2023, having previously chaired the court in the Stolin (Столін) District, Belarus.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will be closely monitoring the case of Alena Timashchuk, the journalist facing charges under several articles of the Belarusian Criminal Code. Given the serious nature of the allegations, which include discrediting the Republic of Belarus, inciting hostility, and participating in an extremist organization, SEEMO is committed to ensuring that Timashchuk receives a fair trial and all international standards are respected. Her work and the court case highlights the importance of press freedom, and SEEMO will remain vigilant in observing the proceedings to safeguard these fundamental rights in Belarus. SEEMO would like to remind that many journalists in Belarus are or have been in prison because of their professional journalist work.

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 #AlenaTimashchuk #journalisttrial #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

The news portal Mašina.rs (https://www.masina.rs/) reported that their co-editor, Marko Miletić, was allegedly assaulted in Zemun Polje (part of Belgrade), Serbia on 2 June 2024 during the local election in front of the Serbian Progressive Party (Srpska Napredna Stranka – SNS) office located on Dušan Korčagin Street. According to Miletić, he received information about alleged irregularities occurring at the polling station in Zemun Polje and decided to investigate.

At the scene, a group of individuals rushed out aggressively towards both the opposition activists present and Miletić. He started recording, but a woman approached him, insisting he had no right to film. Despite his explanations that he was a journalist with the right and duty to document what was happening, she persisted, and two other men allegedly also began to chase him, turning the situation into a pursuit.

You can see the video of the incident here: https://x.com/MasinaRS/status/1797303027801436254

The attack on Miletić highlights the escalating tensions surrounding election integrity in Serbia. As Miletić attempted to document potential election fraud, he faced threats and intimidation. The incident raises significant concerns about the safety of journalists during elections and the transparency of the electoral process.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), condemns the attack on journalist Marko Miletić while he was performing his duty to report. Such aggressive behavior towards journalists is unacceptable and undermines the principles of free press and democracy. SEEMO calls the authorities for immediate and thorough investigations into this incident and urges authorities to ensure the safety and protection of all journalists, allowing them to carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation. The right to report freely and safely is fundamental to the integrity of our democratic processes.

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 #masina #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom