26.04.2024 – Albanian Prime Minister’s Response to Media Allegations

On 23 April 2024 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted regarding certain Albanian media outlets and their coverage of an investigative program aired on RAI3 (https://www.raiplay.it/dirette/rai3). In response to the program, which explored an agreement between Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concerning the transfer of migrants from Italy to Albania, Rama accused some media of perpetuating falsehoods and engaging in a campaign against Albania’s successes.

In response to the RAI3 program, Rama clarified that he had not engaged in any heated conversations with the director of RAI3, contrary to some media reports. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between truth and falsehoods, particularly in the era of rapid information dissemination.

Furthermore, Rama was stating that he had only requested a call to discuss what he deemed as slanderous accusations made in the program. He criticized the program for its portrayal of Albania and its people, likening it to past negative stereotypes perpetuated by some Italian media outlets.

You can see Edi Rama interview on Top Channel Albania here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_a9pVAiB_g

In addition to Rama’s response, Engjëll Agaçi, Secretary General of Prime Minister reacted after his name was mentioned by the Italian investigative show Report on RAI 3 and announced his intention to pursue a legal action. Agaçi expressed concern over the damage to his reputation caused by the program’s claims and emphasized the need for thorough verification of information before publication.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring the developments connected to this case.

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 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 19 April 2024, the City Court in Minsk (Мінск), Belarus, delivered its verdict in the case of Anastasia Matsiash (Анастасія Мацяш), a supposed employee of the Belsat TV channel (https://belsat.eu/en), on charges of involvement in an “extremist formation.” According to the court’s ruling, from June 2021 to November 2023, Matsiash allegedly served as a language consultant for Telewizja Polska (TVP – https://www.tvp.pl/), which encompasses the Polish TV channel Belsat. The court concluded that Matsiash provided linguistic services to Belsat, designated as an extremist organization, including translations, proofreading, and editing of texts, which were subsequently utilized in Belsat’s purported extremist activities, including dissemination through mass media and the internet. Consequently, she was identified by the court as a member of this alleged “extremist formation.”

For her involvement in “extremist activities,” Matsiash allegedly received “criminal income” totaling 40,000 PLN, 12,258 USD, and 8,575 EUR.

She was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in a general regime colony and fined 500 basic amounts, amounting to 20,000 RUB (200.96 EUR) Her personal computer and mobile phone were also confiscated.

Additionally, she was deprived of 102,415 RUB (1,029.11 EUR) as income obtained by criminal means.

It’s crucial to note that the verdict is subject to appeal, and Anastasia Matsiash did not confess to the accusations leveled against her. The legal process surrounding this case underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding freedom of expression and the role of media in society.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the verdict issued by the Minsk City Court against Anastasia Matsiash, allegedly affiliated with Belsat TV channel, on charges of participating in an allegedly “extremist formation.” This verdict represents a blatant attack on freedom of expression and media independence. SEEMO urges Belarusian authorities to respect fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of speech, and calls for the immediate release of Anastasia Matsiash. Such actions undermine democracy and the rule of law in the region, and SEEMO stands in solidarity with all journalists and media workers facing unjust persecution for their professional 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 #belarus #minsk #belsat #AnastasiaMatsiash #journalistinprison #journalistarrested #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

In the first three months of last year, the Supreme Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, Serbia opened nine cases related to threats against journalists’ safety, while in the first three months, twenty cases were initiated against 23 individuals engaged in public interest activities in the field of journalism, with 10 male and 13 female victims. In 14 cases, threats were made online, accounting for 70% of the total, with a majority targeting female journalists. Last year, there was one case of relocating a journalist safely out of the country, one intervention to improve the security of a journalist’s residence, and this year, private security has been engaged in two cases pending a security assessment by the Ministry of Interior. In two cases, a first-instance or final court decision was made against the perpetrators, while requests for gathering necessary information were filed in 17 cases, one case is undergoing evidentiary proceedings, and two cases were dismissed.

These findings were disclosed during a session of the Stalna Radna Grupa Za Bezbednost Novinara (Permanent Working Group for Journalists’ Safety – https://bezbedninovinari.rs/), organized by Asocijacija Nezavisnih Novinara Elektronskih Medija (Association Of Independent Electronic Media – ANEM – http://www.anem.rs/en.html) on 19 April 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia which identified Novi Sad as the city with the highest incidents of threats against journalists. The threats persist, exacerbating the lack of effective protection and further distressing the journalistic community. In the case of the physical expulsion of journalist Verica Marinčić working for IN Media (https://inmedija.rs/) from the municipal building in Inđija, the competent prosecutor from StaraPazova requested additional information from the police. Verica, in an emotional testimony, described a constant sense of insecurity, noting that out of four previously reported cases, only one resulted in a conviction. Besides direct threats and assaults, she now faces threats of losing her land in Krčedin, Serbia and repeated desecration of her mother’s grave. You can see the link of article that SEEMO wrote about this case here: https://www.facebook.com/share/wtAtNkWMs548YSm8/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Similar sentiments of helplessness were echoed by journalist Gordana Momčilović Ilić, who received threats while on duty, followed by further attacks on social media after reporting to the police and prosecutor’s office. You can read SEEMO article about this case here: https://www.facebook.com/share/8esLCmqARfRuyxvR/?mibextid=WC7FNe. Ksenija Pavkov journalist from N1 (https://n1info.rs/) highlighted threats originating from a Telegram channel with approximately 80,000 members, mentioning initial reports and subsequent false allegations published during a faculty blockade. You can read the SEEMO article about this case here: https://www.facebook.com/share/mTBNru3KUeGofPZS/?mibextid=WC7FNe.

Radio 021(https://www.021.rs/) decided to cease coverage of a case following threats to their journalist ŽarkoBogosavljević during coverage of protests.

Sava Majstorov of SOinfo (https://www.soinfo.org/) spoke of hacking attacks on their website and the subsequent threats, insults, and attacks he endured. He also mentioned self-censorship due to concerns for journalists’ safety. Aleksandar Momčilović, a prosecutor specializing in high-tech crime, outlined challenges in obtaining data from major foreign companies controlling social media platforms.

Slobodan Josimović from the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad, Serbia mentioned one unresolved case from 2020, involving offensive and threatening graffiti outside Dinko Gruhonjić’s residence. Veljko Milić, a member of the Permanent Working Group and a lawyer, emphasized the need to change judicial practices and the Criminal Code to better protect journalists.

In conclusion, Veran Matić stressed the necessity of institutional protection for journalists like Ana Lalić Hegediš who is president of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (Nezavisno Društvo Novinara Vojvodine – NDNV – https://ndnv.org) and Nova.rs (https://nova.rs/) journalist and Dinko Gruhonjić who is Program Director of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV – https://ndnv.org/), journalist at Autonomija portal (https://autonomija.info/), and University professor in Novi Sad, Serbia, who face severe threats and attacks. He emphasized the role of the police in preventive action to prevent physical harm and underscored the importance of solidarity among journalists, legal experts, and civil society organizations in ensuring journalists’ safety and preserving freedom of expression. You can read the articles that SEEMO wrote about this cases here: https://www.facebook.com/share/ZhuFbEoEW2TH4NNe/?mibextid=WC7FNe ; https://www.facebook.com/share/oCzMVu5KmHnkmVQX/?mibextid=WC7FNe

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), stands in solidarity with the journalists facing unprecedented threats to their safety and well-being. The alarming rise in incidents targeting journalists demands urgent attention and effective action from authorities across the region. SEEMO calls for comprehensive measures to ensure the protection of journalists, including swift and thorough investigations into threats and attacks, accountability for perpetrators, and proactive steps to prevent future incidents. SEEMO remains committed to advocating for the safety and security of journalists.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #serbia #anem #journalistunderattack #N1 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent incident involving an insult directed at a journalist from N1 BiH by Milorad Dodik, the President of Republika Srpska, an entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, during his visit to the Trade Fair in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16 April 2024.

During the meeting that took place in front of the cameras in the presence of Milorad Dodik and the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Dodik is heard to disparage the journalist of N1 BiH.

More details are online in a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=715&v=YGq1ZGYvfW0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.index.hr%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

SEEMO underscores that insults against journalists is utterly unacceptable, particularly when coming from public figures. The unfortunate incident highlights the pressing need for upholding the principles of free speech, respect for media freedom, and dignified discourse in the public domain.

SEEMO calls upon Dodik to issue a public apology to the journalist in question and urges all stakeholders in the public sphere in Republika Srpka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, to uphold the values of journalistic integrity and freedom of expression.

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 #republikasrpska #bosnaandherzegovina #serbia #N1 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The Georgian Parliament’s decided on 14 April 2024 to bar journalists from digital media outlets from accessing the Parliament building. This move, enacted under the guise of “Enhancing Safety Measures,” effectively prevented a group of journalists from reporting on critical debates, including the discussion of the reintroduced bill on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” by the Legal Issues Committee. Journalists from broadcast media were exempt.

This restrictive measure follows a previous incident on 8 April 2024, where access to Parliament was limited for reporters from independent and critical media organizations during discussions on the official registration of the aforementioned draft law. The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics (https://www.qartia.ge/en/about-us), along with other media freedom advocates, condemned this decision, denouncing it as discriminatory and urging the Parliament to uphold press freedom principles.

In parallel, concerns have been raised regarding the reintroduction of a controversial “foreign agent” law by the government and Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD). This legislation, would require organizations receiving foreign funds, including media outlets and Non-governmental organization (NGO), to register as “organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” Despite assurances last year that such legislation would not be reconsidered, GD announced its intent to reintroduce the bill, now titled “Transparency of Foreign Influence.” It would require organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or face large fines. This proposed law poses a grave threat to media freedom and civic space in Georgia, potentially undermining the country’s democratic progress and EU membership aspirations. President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has voiced strong opposition to the bill, accusing the government of jeopardizing Georgia’s EU accession efforts. The government passed the draft bill on its first reading.

In response to these developments, journalists and citizens have organized protests outside the Parliament in capital Tbilisi, demanding the withdrawal of the controversial bill and the protection of media freedom. How it looked is visible on the following link:

https://x.com/Zourabichvili_S/status/1779939731993669974 . The Public Defender of Georgia has also weighed in, stressing the importance of ensuring media access to parliamentary proceedings and denouncing any attempts at censorship or discrimination.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent actions taken by the Parliament of Georgia, including the implementation of heightened security measures and the restriction of access for journalists. This move, coupled with the reintroduction of the “Foreign Agent” law, poses a serious threat to press freedom and democratic principles in Georgia. SEEMO urges the Georgian authorities to uphold the rights of all journalists to report freely and without discrimination, ensuring a transparent and open environment for media coverage of parliamentary activities. Such restrictions undermine the vital role of the press in holding power to account and fostering informed public discourse, and they must be reversed immediately.

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 #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is closely monitoring the ongoing full-scale assault against the website BIRD (https://bird.bg/en/’) and its journalists. The campaign is among others against BIRD journalist Dimitar Stoyanov (Димитър Стоянов). The Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria (AEJ) – Асоциация на европейските журналисти – България (АЕЖ) – https://aej-bulgaria.org/en/ is outraged by the latest vexatious lawsuit (SLAPP) filed against the team of the investigative website BIRD.bg by one of the leading politicians in the county.

The Association of European Journalists-Bulgaria revealed that several lawsuits have been filed in the District Court in Sofia, Bulgaria, against journalists Dimitar Stoyanov, Atanas Chobanov (Атанас Чобанов), and their colleague from Bivol (https://bivol.bg/en), Nikolay Marchenko (Николай Марченко). The plaintiff in all cases is the same. Each lawsuit amounts to 10,000 LEV ( 5,118.66 EUR).

BIRD announced that they have been SLAPPed on the very same day when Stoyanov was called to the prosecution for questioning as a witness in pre-trial proceedings for the release of classified information.

They target publications related to the infrastructure around the border crossing to Turkey “Captain Andreevo,” widely circulated suspicions in the public space about serious corruption practices, as well as allegedly those related to the suspicions surrounding the murder of crypto queen Ruja / Rusha Ignatova (Ружа Игнатова). You can read the AEJ article here: https://aej-bulgaria.org/10042023/

The almost simultaneous filing of a series of identical lawsuits against journalists for publications over a short period of time in the same outlet is a serious indicator of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP).

In a press release from 7 April, 2023, the prosecution disseminated a series of insinuations, as well as personal communication of journalist Dimitar Stoyanov, with his source of information.

It is important to recall that in order to carry out their work, which is inherently in the public interest, journalists work and communicate with a wide range of sources.

AEJ insists that the prosecution immediately cease its attempts to discredit journalists simply because it dislikes their publications, as well as to cease the practice of revealing journalistic sources.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will closely monitor the developments surrounding this case.

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 #bulgaria #BIRD #DimitarStoyanov #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 7 April 7 2024 around 5pm, journalist Furkan Saliu, who is also the founder and editor-in-chief of PortaliX (https://portalix.mk/), was detained for several hours by special police forces in the village of Konjare / Konyare (Коњаре), North Macedonia following a football match. He was taken to the Gazi Baba / Avtokomanda police station in the capital Skopje.

Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, and PortaliX has condemned Saliu’s arrest as a targeted effort to intimidate free journalism. The video from the moment when the police reacted is online: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-A3rVq9M5IQ?feature=share

Saliu himself, in a statement expressed regret for potentially contributing to the escalation of the situation leading to his detention. He denied any assault on the police and clarified that the weapon found in his vehicle was licensed. Despite this, the police confiscated his phone and keys during the arrest.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that the police intervened to quell a confrontation between home team fans and visiting players, during which two individuals, including Saliu, allegedly attacked police officers. Subsequently, Saliu was taken into custody, but later released the same night.

Furthermore, conflicting reports emerged regarding the circumstances of Saliu’s arrest, with alleging excessive use of force by the police. Witnesses at the football match claimed that Saliu alleged intervened after the police started beating an young person with no reasons, which Saliu recorded with his mobile phone.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition parties and journalists’ associations, who demand an impartial investigation into the events leading to his arrest.

Interior Minister defended the police’s actions, stating that Saliu was detained for allegedly assaulting police officers and urged the public to allow law enforcement to conduct their duties without interference.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders emphasize the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring the protection of journalists’ rights in Macedonia.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will follow the case closely. SEEMO urges the authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in handling this case, to respect the fundamental right to freedom of expression, and to refrain from any actions that may intimidate or hinder the work of 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 #northmacedonia #portalix #furkansaliu #journalistdetained #journalistarrested #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @FurkanSaliu

After a protracted legal battle spanning 16 years, Turkish journalist Hacı Boğatekin has been acquitted by the 1st High Criminal Court in his home town Adıyaman, Türkiye / Turkey following an order by the Turkish Supreme Court of Appeals.

Boğatekin’s ordeal began with the publication of his article titled “FETÖ and Apo” in the Gerger Fırat (https://www.gergerfirat.com.tr/) newspaper on 4 January 2008, which led to legal challenges and his subsequent detention and arrest.

Hacı Boğatekin and his son Özgür Boğatekin are publishing the local newspaper Gerger Fırat. Hacı Boğatekin founded Gerger Fırat in 1992. Over the course of his career, Hacı Boğatekin was tried in more than 150 cases. For example, Hacı Boğatekin, has also been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison for an article he penned in 2018 regarding bribery allegations within the judiciary.

The Supreme Court’s decision marked a turning point in Boğatekin’s case, ultimately resulting in his acquittal during the first hearing at the Adıyaman 1st High Criminal Court. The court cited insufficient evidence to support the charges of “making propaganda for a terrorist organisation” against Boğatekin.

In response to the court’s decision, Boğatekin expressed relief, stating that his case has lasted over 16 years, causing material and moral damage. He was according to the first court decision sentenced to more than 12 months in prison. When the decision was approved by the Supreme Court, journalist Boğatekin was imprisoned

Hacı Boğatekin’s lawyer, highlighted the significance of the case for press freedom and freedom of expression. He emphasized that despite the lengthy legal battle, justice was eventually served through the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court’s decisions.

The legal journey faced by Boğatekin included multiple court rulings and appeals, with the Constitutional Court previously deeming the prison sentence unconstitutional, emphasising the importance of freedom of expression and press in a democracy.

Boğatekin said that the 30 thousand TRY compensation ordered by the court should be taken from the then district governor or the judge who made the decision, otherwise if the money would be paid from the tax-payers, he would distribute it to students as scholarships.

Boğatekin’s case serves as a milestone in the ongoing discourse on press freedom in Türkiye / Turkey, emphasising the vital role of journalists in addressing societal issues and contributing to public debate. The 16-year struggle for justice highlights not only the personal toll endured by Boğatekin but also the broader erosion of democratic values within Türkiye / Turkey judicial system.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) calls for reforms to uphold the rights of journalists in Türkiye / Turkey and also for reforms in the court system. Boğatekin’s case is an example of the problems in the judiciary and justice system.

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 #HacıBoğatekin #GergerFırat #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Police Station Novi Beograd in Belgrade, Serbia has filed a request to initiate misdemeanor proceedings against reporter Marko Dragoslavić (@DragoslavicM ) from FoNet(https://www.fonet.rs/), accusing him of “bold and reckless behavior” during citizens’ protests in Block 63 in Novi Beograd, allegedly violating the Law on Public Order and Peace, despite being on assignment, reporting, and sending video footage to the agency from a protest. The police allege that on 17 February 2024, around 6:30 PM, Dragoslavić with a group of masked young individuals, “kicked and broke a metal construction fence.”

Dragoslavić received a summons to appear for questioning at the Misdemeanor Court in Grocka, Serbia on 14 May 2024.

Dragoslavić recalls that the fence demolition occurred on 15 February 2024, when he sent video footage to FoNet, which the agency published.

The next day, on 16 February 2024, allegedly an undercover policeman identified him during the filming of a peaceful citizens’ protest in Belgrade, although the policeman did not identify himself, but instead took his ID card, photographed it, and, contrary to the provisions of the Police Law, allegedly threw his press accreditation on the ground. Reporter Dragoslavić also possesses video footage of the police identification on 16 February 2024.

Dragoslavić asserts that on 17 February 2024, he again recorded protests, which were peaceful, and denies participating in the “kicking and breaking of the fence,” which was already demolished.

The FoNet news agency and Dragoslavić himself will take all legal measures to protect him in the event of misdemeanor proceedings initiated while he was on assignment.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is asking the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs to urgently investigate this case, check all facts and protect the Fonet journalist from a very strange legal case.

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 #markodragoslavic #fonet #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @DragoslavicM