08.05.2024 – Meida Freedom Concerns Rise in Kosovo Amid Politician’s Verbal Attacks

Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (Self-determination Movement), Kosovo’s ruling party, has ignited controversy over its recent interactions about the nation’s media environment. The unfolding events began with an interview by a Vetëvendosje Member of Parliament on 3 May 2024 on Radio Television of Kosovo (Radiotelevizioni i Kosovës – RTK – https://www.rtklive.com/) regarding Kosovo’s prospective membership in the Council of Europe. Additional this same person wrote a statement on his Facebook profile.

According to the Kosovo Journalists Association (Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Kosovës – AGK- AJK – https://agk-ks.org/en/) this member of the parliament openly showed a tendency to control the editorial content of the Kosovo public broadcaster RTK, interfering in what is considered a priority to be addressed and reported and additional attacked the Association of Journalists of Kosovo for the work it does to protect journalists and the media. He was trying to dictate what AJK should do and how it should behave.

In response to political statements, the Kosovo Journalists Association (AJK) condemned this stance and emphasized the importance of media freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights.

You can see the link to the RTK interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eV4HHDabXY

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the recent verbal attacks against journalists and media outlets in Kosovo, as such actions undermine press freedom and the vital role journalists play in a democratic society. The intimidation and attempts to control editorial content, as demonstrated by the statements made by certain political figures, are unacceptable and pose a threat to media pluralism and independence. SEEMO urges authorities in Kosovo to uphold the principles of media freedom, protect journalists from harassment and intimidation, and ensure that they can carry out their work without fear of reprisal. SEEMO also calls Prime Minister Albin Kurti to take measures against his party members from Lëvizja Vetëvendosje who are attacking journalists, journalists associations and media organisations. SEEMO is also asking President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu to support with a statment the media and journalists in Kosovo and to condemn the statement of this one member of the parliament.

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 #kosovo #rtk #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

A high level politician in Tbilisi / Tifilis, Georgia, stirred controversy on 2 May 2024, following an allegedly tense exchange with journalist Nutsa Bakhutashvili from the channel Formula TV (https://formula.ge/). Formula TV is a critical TV channel in Georgia. The incident unfolded when Bakhutashvili questioned the politician about the reported use of rubber bullets by police at a protest against the foreign agent bill held on 1 May 2024 in Tbilisi. Implicitly suggesting that the politician was misleading the public, Bakhutashvili’s inquiry led to a heated confrontation. The response by the politician was swift and aggressive, as he resorted to derogatory language, labeling the journalist allegedly as “insolent scum” and issuing allegedly a verbal tirade against her.

The altercation continued to garner attention when, on 3 May 2024, the same politician ironically extended his well wishes to journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. Despite his apparent acknowledgment of the importance of press freedom, his subsequent remarks hinted at a retaliatory stance towards journalists who he believes offend him. This stance raises concerns about the mayor’s commitment to upholding freedom of the press and respecting the role of journalists in society.

Moreover, the politician commentary on the violence that erupted during the Pride March in Tbilisi on 5 July 2021, adds another layer to the controversy. While condemning the violence against journalists during the event, he also insinuated that certain media outlets, along with the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili and Western-funded groups, were responsible for inciting violence in Georgia. Such implications not only deflect accountability but also undermine the vital role of journalists in holding power to account and safeguarding democratic principles.

The altercation between this politician and Bakhutashvili highlights the challenges faced by local journalists in Georgia and underscores the importance of protecting press freedom. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for journalists to carry out their work without fear of reprisal or intimidation. As such, the incident prompts a broader conversation about the state of media freedom in Georgia and the need for public officials to uphold the principles of democracy, including respect for the freedom of the press and the rights of journalists to report freely and without interference.

You can see the full video of the conversation here: https://formulanews.ge/News/110458

Additional on 1 and 2 May 2024, during the demonstration in Tbilisi against the new foreign agent law, several media workers were attacked and injured. According to local sources the media staffs were allegedly attacked by police during reporting from the demonstration. Mindia Gabadze, working for Publika.ge, was beaten. Avto Meskhi, Luka Lavrelashvili and Zuka Chkhirkvia, camera-persons working for Mtavari Arkhi (https://mtavari.tv/, founded 2019) were injured in the Rustawelis Gamsiri Avenue in Tbilisi. Davit Tamazashvili, Nika Sajaia and Salome Bokuchava, working for Formula TV, were also attacked. The day before, on the night of 30 April and the dawn of 1 May 2024, the police allegedly forces verbally insulted and physically injured at least 14 journalists. The Charter of Journalistic Ethics of Georgia condemned this use of police forces against journalists.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the allegedly verbal attack by Tbilisi politician against Formula TV journalist Nutsa Bakhutashvili and the attacks on journalists during the demonstration. Such behavior undermines press freedom and the essential role of journalists in fostering transparency and accountability in society. Journalists must be able to perform their duties without fear of reprisal or intimidation. SEEMO calls on Georgian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to conduct their work freely and without interference and the police to protect the journalists, and urges the politician to respect the principles of media freedom and refrain from any actions that could inhibit journalistic activities.

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 #tbilisi #NutsaBakhutashvili #formulatv #journalistattack #journalistdetained

Russian authorities have faced significant criticism following the legal proceedings against journalist Sergey Mingazov (Сергей Мингазов), associated with the Russian edition of Forbes magazine (https://www.forbes.ru/), the detention of journalists Konstantin Gabov (Константин Васильевич Габов) who has worked for Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/) and Deutsche Welle (DW – https://www.dw.com/en/top-stories/s-9097) and Sergey Karelin (Сергей Карелин) who has worked for DW and the Associated Press (AP News – https://apnews.com/).

The recent developments unfolded on 27 April 2024 when a court in Khabarovsk (Хабаровск), in east Russia, placed Mingazov under house arrest for a duration of two months as he awaits trial. The charges against him stem from allegations of spreading false information about the Russian armed forces, specifically related to reports on the civilian massacre in Bucha (Буча), Ukraine, in 2022. Mingazov’s purported offense was reposting these reports on the Telegram channel Khabarovskaya Mingazeta (Хабаровская Мингазета). If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison under Russia’s criminal code, which was amended following the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to include severe penalties for disseminating what is Moscow calling false information about the military.

Mingazov’s lawyer, emphasized the direct correlation between the charges against Mingazov and his journalistic activities. Authorities went as far as seizing electronic devices belonging not only to Mingazov but also to his family members during a search of his apartment. He also contested the court’s decision to prohibit Mingazov from accessing the internet, a move seen as further restricting his ability to engage in journalistic work.

In a separate but parallel development, freelance videographer Sergey Karelin and journalist Konstantin Gabov were detained on 27 April 2024 and subsequently placed under pre-trial detention for two months. The charges against them revolve around their alleged participation in extremist organizations, particularly for their involvement with Navalny LIVE (Навальный LIVE – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgxTPTFbIbCWfTR9I2-5SeQ), a YouTube channel linked to the late opposition figure Alexei Navalny (Алексей Навальный), who was a Russian opposition leader, and political prisoner. He died on 16 February 2024 in prison in Russia. Gabov was detained in Moscow (Москва), accused under Part 2 of Art. 282.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Participation in an extremist community”), which can be punished up to 6 years in prison. Karelin was detained in the Murmansk (Мурманск) region on suspicion of collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Foundation, an organization initiated by Navalny with a position of a prohibited extremist organization in Russia.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the alarming trend of legal harassment and detention faced by journalists in Russia, as evidenced by the recent cases involving Sergey Mingazov, Konstantin Gabov, and Sergey Karelin. Placing Mingazov under house arrest for merely reposting reports about civilian massacres in Bucha and detaining Gabov and Karelin on dubious charges of association with “extremist” organizations sets a dangerous precedent that threatens press freedom and silences dissenting voices. SEEMO urges the Russian authorities to drop all charges against the journalists, release them immediately, and ensure the safety and protection of journalists who are essential for fostering democracy and accountability.

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 #russia #SergeyMingazov #KonstantinGabov #SergeyKarelin #journalistarrest #journalistinjail #journalistdetained #journalistunderarrest #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

On 25 April 2024, the newsroom of the N1 portal (https://n1info.rs/) was targeted with a death threat in the comments section of their website. The threat emerged in response to an article covering the visit of the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić to the United States for the UN Security Council session on Kosovo. Amidst a barrage of insults branding N1 journalists as the ‘worst gang’ and ‘paid traitors from foreign powers’, the threat escalated to a chilling promise of their imminent liquidation and neutralization, leaving nothing behind. Additionally, the comment hinted at further targets, mentioning the media outlets Nova S (https://nova.rs/) and Danas (https://www.danas.rs/). The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Nezavisno Udruženje Novinara Srbije – NUNS- https://nuns.rs/) swiftly reported this threat to the Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime in Belgrade, Serbia urging immediate action. You can see the link to the N1 article here: https://n1info.rs/vesti/vucic-sad-i-nemacka-pojacale-lobiranje-za-rezoluciju-o-srebrenici/

This incident is not isolated, it underscores a concerning trend of threats and attacks against N1 journalists. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the targeted intimidation of media professionals. SEEMO stresses the gravity of this threat, which directly undermines press freedom and democratic values.

Moreover, the pattern of threats and insults directed at journalists aligns with previous instances where high-ranking political representative in Serbia have targeted specific media outlets. SEEMO urges these officials to engage constructively with journalists rather than resorting to intimidation tactics.

SEEMO calls upon the Serbian authorities to swiftly investigate this matter and hold the perpetrators accountable. Such threats not only endanger the lives of journalists but also erode the foundations of democracy and freedom of expression. SEEMO stands in solidarity with N1 journalists and underscores the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of journalists to carry out their vital work without fear of reprisal.

On today Friday 3 May 2024, as we mark the 31st World Press Freedom Day, the challenge of upholding the essential pillar of our democracy is in all SEEMO countries.

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 #N1 #NovaS #Danas #journalistattack # #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

The South East Europe Media Organisation condemns the incidents that occurred during a press conference organized by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where journalists and media were subjected to political pressure and verbal insults.

During the press conference held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 25 April 2024, a high level representative of the ministry allegedly publicly targeted several journalists and media outlets, accusing them of being part of a “media-judicial mafia” without providing any evidence to support his claims.

Furthermore, the failure by this high level representative of the ministry to address media criticisms through legal and legitimate channels, such as seeking corrections or filing complaints with independent regulatory bodies, underscores his disregard for press freedom.

You can see the link to the press conference that was published by Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovine – BHRT – https://www.bhrt.ba/): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cphCTEAC96U

The Board of Directors of the “BH Journalists” Association and the Helpline for Journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina strongly condemn the inappropriate statements by this governmental representative.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) stands in solidarity with the journalists and media in Bosnia and Herzegovina targeted by high level governmental representative. Every attack on journalists undermines democracy and the public’s right to information, and it must be unequivocally condemned and addressed.

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 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

The recent events surrounding the online news portal Lajmi.net (https://lajmi.net/) have raised concerns within the journalistic community in Kosovo, condemning the serious threats and obstruction faced by its team allegedly during their work at a session held in a court in Prizren, Kosovo.

Reports indicate that journalist Selim Miftari and camera operator Pëparim Tufa, representing Lajmi.net, on 4 April 2024, encountered significant obstacles while attempting to carry out their duties. The incident unfolded in the presence of a judge, where a defendant allegedly interfered with the team’s activities, demanding that they cease recording and delete any footage they had captured.

The situation escalated when an individual allegedly forcibly took the camera from the cameraman, Pëparim Tufa, and proceeded to issue direct threats to the team. In an alarming display, he warned them against publishing any recordings, asserting control over their journalistic endeavors with menacing language and actions.

Furthermore, the incident involving the Lajmi.net team underscores a troubling trend of threats and attacks targeting journalists in Kosovo.

The Kosovo Journalists Association (AJK – Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Kosovës – AGK ) reacted and support the Lajmi.net team. AJK announced that 2023 was the year with the most cases of threats and attacks against journalists and the media in general, which were reported to this association.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the obstruction and intimidation faced by journalists from Lajmi.net during their coverage at court in Prizren. Such acts not only impede the essential work of journalists but also pose a grave threat to press freedom and journalists’ safety. SEEMO urges judicial institutions in Kosovo to uphold the principles of transparency and freedom of the press, ensuring that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of hindrance or intimidation. Additional we ask the courts and court security staff members to protect the journalists.

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 #kosovo #lajminet #SelimMiftari #PëparimTufa #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom

The news of three journalists from Domani (https://www.editorialedomani.it/) facing potential imprisonment has sparked global outrage, with numerous international media outlets and organizations rallying behind a call for press freedom and showing solidarity with Domani newspaper. On 22 April 2024, Domani’s director, Emiliano Fittipaldi, was summoned by the anti-mafia commission for over three hours to testify regarding the Perugia (in Italy) investigation into the alleged leak of information involving one financier and one magistrate. Perugia’s chief prosecutor, has also named three Domani journalists, Nello Trocchia, Giovanni Tizian, and Stefano Vergine, as suspects in the case, risking sentences of up to 9 years in prison.

The heart of the issue lies in what Director Fittipaldi vehemently contests as “dossiering.” He refutes the notion, stating that there was no dossier involved. Instead, he emphasizes that they diligently verified and published the news without any intention of leveraging it for blackmail.

This investigation stems from Domani’s 27 October 2022 publication of an article exposing conflicts of interest involving a minister. Following the article’s release, which contained verified and substantiated information, the minister refrained from legal action but sought to uncover the journalists’ protected sources. You can read Domani’s article that was mentioned here: https://www.editorialedomani.it/politica/mondo/guido-crosetto-ministro-della-difesa-giorgia-meloni-armi-industria-leonardo-f5nau23f

The prospect of imprisonment for three colleagues has ignited widespread condemnation. Over 70 international organizations and media outlets. Including SEEMO, have joined Domani’s plea for press freedom and expressed solidarity with our cause.

The current investigation not only threatens the confidentiality of journalistic sources but also aims to stifle our investigative reporting on government officials.

This is not an isolated incident; members of the current Italian government have increasingly targeted Domani (https://www.editorialedomani.it/idee/commenti/italys-govt-is-attacking-media-freedom-but-we-can-stop-it-fcwkcljp) and other media outlets with Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), damage claims, and intimidation tactics. With this plea for support, they urge Italian judicial and political authorities to uphold the right to report, safeguard press freedom, and ensure the public’s access to independent media.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the legal action taken against the journalists of Domani, as it represents a grave threat to press freedom and the right to information. The potential imprisonment of Giovanni Tizian, Nello Trocchia, and Stefano Vergine is an assault on investigative journalism and the public’s right to be informed. Such actions undermine the essential role of journalists in holding those in power accountable and revealing matters of public interest. SEEMO stands in solidarity with the journalists of Domani and calls for the protection of their rights, including the confidentiality of journalistic sources, as enshrined in international standards of press freedom.

The international support is online:

https://seemo.org/pdf/Domani_Petition_Final_Eng_23_apr.pdf(English version)

https://seemo.org/pdf/Domani_Appello_Finale_Ita_23_apr.pdf(Italian versioion)

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 #italy #domani #journalistunderattack #EmilianoFittipaldi #GiovanniTizian #NelloTrocchia #StefanoVergine #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @emifittipaldi @DomaniGiornale @GiovanniTizian @Nellotro @StefanoVergine

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) expresses concerns over threats made against Lorik Gashi, sports journalist and editor at Kanal10 (https://www.youtube.com/c/kanal10live). Gashi presented communications from a representative of a sport club in Kosovo, who allegedly repeatedly insulted and threatened him on social media.

Messages to Gashi contained offensive language and multiple threats. Gashi and his family were belittled. The author of the messages is insisting that Gashi deletes what he deemed to be a false post or face unspecified consequences.

The sport club is claiming that Gashi’s reporting was inaccurate and biased.

The case has also drawn attention from the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Kosovës – AGK – https://agk-ks.org/), which condemned the representative of the sport club and urged the association where this sport club is a member, as also Kosovo Police to investigate the matter further. You can see here the link to AGK post containing screenshots of threats: https://agk-ks.org/en/news/agk-ja-denon-fyerjet-dhe-kercenimet-ndaj-gazetarit-te-sportit-lorik-gashi/#

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the reprehensible actions by the sport club representative directed towards journalist Lorik Gashi. Such behavior not only undermines press freedom but also poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of journalists. If there are mistakes in the journalists’ statements, there is a possibility to ask for correction, or if the media does not like to publish any correction to ask for legal protection over court, but pressures are not acceptable

SEEMO urge authorities in Kosovo to take swift and decisive action to address this matter and ensure the protection of journalists against any form of intimidation or 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. 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 #kosovo #lorikgashi #kanal10 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom