16.12.2024 – Journalist Ihar Karnei Sentenced to Additional Eight Months in Belarusian Prison

In a troubling escalation of Belarus crackdown on dissent, journalist and political prisoner Ihar /Igar Karnei (Ігар Карней) has been sentenced to an additional eight months in prison for alleged “persistent disobedience” to the prison administration’s rules. This new sentence, handed down on 13 December 2024 by Judge of the District Court in Shklou (Шклов), Belarus, adds to Karnei’s existing three-year sentence for alleged “participation in an extremist formation.” The journalist will now remain behind bars until October 2026 instead of February 2026.

Karnei, 56, has been in prison since July 2023 following a raid on his home. First he was detained on 17 July 2023 and sentenced to 10 days of arrest and on 28 July same year a criminal case was brought against Karnei. Authorities accused him of collaborating with the Belarusian Association of Journalists (Беларуская асацыяцыя журналістаў – BAJ – https://baj.media/en/), leading media advocacy organization from Belarus that was labeled an “extremist formation” by the government in February 2023. His original conviction on 22 March 2024 was widely condemned as part of a broader campaign to stifle press freedom in Belarus. He was charged under Article 361-1 /3 of the Criminal Code for being a member of an extremist organization.

Since being transferred to Correctional Facility No. 17 in Shklou in June 2024, Karnei has faced harsh treatment, including extended solitary confinement and restrictions on communication. He has been allegedly isolated from other inmates since July and prohibited from receiving parcels or making phone calls. His family reported receiving only a fraction of his letters.

Details surrounding the new charges remain unclear. Authorities have not disclosed specific instances of disobedience, but reports suggest that minor infractions or fabricated accusations are often used to justify additional penalties against political detainees. Belarusian law allows prisoners to be charged under Article 411(1) of the criminal code if they receive multiple reprimands, a common practice in political cases.

Karnei’s long career in journalism began during his university years in the 1980s. He co-founded an independent youth newspaper and later contributed to prominent publications such as Komsomolskaya Pravda (Комсомольская правда – https://www.kp.ru/) and Zvyazda (Звязда – https://zviazda.by/be). He spent two decades with Radio Svaboda (https://www.svoboda.org/ – https://www.svoboda.org/), the Belarusian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (https://www.rferl.org/). More recently, he focused on local history and blogging for the website Kreva.Travel (Крэва – -https://kreva.travel/). In 2020 he was arrested after reporting from a demonstration.

This latest sentence highlights the dire state of press freedom and human rights in Belarus, where journalists face persecution for their commitment to truth and accountability. Calls for Karnei’s immediate release, along with all jailed journalists in Belarus, continue to grow from international advocacy groups.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the sentencing of journalist Ihar Karnei to an additional eight months in prison on unclear charges. This unjust decision, compounded by Karnei’s ongoing mistreatment in detention, is a blatant attempt to silence independent journalism in Belarus and violates fundamental principles of human rights and press freedom. SEEMO calls for Karnei’s immediate release, along with all other journalists imprisoned for their work. SEEMO will continue to closely monitor his case and the broader repression of media professionals in Belarus.

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 #IharKarnei #rferl #KomsomolskayaPravda #Zvyazda #journalistdetained #journalistinjail #jailedjournalist #journalistinprison #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Journalist Dario Topić, 56 years old and editor-in-chief of the local news portal Komarilos.com (https://komarilos.com/), was the victim of a premeditated attack in Osijek, Croatia, on 4 December 2024. The attack occurred while Topić was investigating the City of Osijek’s decision not to renew one company’s parking concession after 26 years. The attacker allegedly assaulted him, inflicting multiple blows. Topić sought medical care and reported the incident to the police and prosecutors.

The Croatian Journalists’ Association (Hrvatsko Novinarsko Društvo – HND – https://www.hnd.hr/) expressed outrage, condemning the attack as a deliberate effort to intimidate a journalist performing public-interest work. HND called for legal consequences under Croatia’s Penal Code against the attacker, which designates attacks on journalists as severe offenses punishable by up to three years in prison. Dario Topić is member of HND.

You can read HND article here: https://www.hnd.hr/hnd-vlasnik-tvrtke-elektromodul-brutalno-pretukao-novinara-darija-topica

On 7 December 2024 the Osijek police detained the attacker charging him with “Coercion against a person performing tasks of public interest.” Authorities acted under the established protocol for addressing crimes against journalists. However, on 10 December 2024 the Osijek State Attorney’s Office released the attacker from pre-trial detention, imposing restrictions requiring him to remain at least 100 meters away from Topić and forbidding any contact. Violating these measures could lead to his re-arrest.

As this case unfolds, organizations and advocates for press freedom emphasize that journalists must be able to investigate matters of public interest without fear of violence or retribution. The resolution of this incident will serve as a test of Croatia’s commitment to safeguarding media freedom.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the brutal attack on journalist Dario Topić, editor-in-chief of Komarilos.com, in Osijek, Croatia. This violent act, targeting a journalist investigating issues of public interest, is an unacceptable assault on press freedom and the safety of media professionals. SEEMO calls on Croatian authorities to ensure a thorough and swift investigation. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the progress of this case to ensure accountability and to advocate for stronger measures to safeguard journalists across the region.

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

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #croatia #dariotopic #komarilos #osijek #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 9 December 2024 an incident occurred at the Faculty of Technical Sciences (Fakultet Tehničkih nauka – FTN) in Novi Sad, Serbia, where a journalist from TV N1 (https://n1info.rs/), Lea Apro, was harassed while reporting on a student blockade. A young man opposed to the blockade allegedly forcibly took Apro’s phone, handing it to another individual, before it was eventually returned.

The incident began when students involved in the blockade pointed out a man who was allegedly recording Apro on his phone. When she approached him to ask why he was filming her, the individual concealed his face and remained silent. Shortly afterward, he allegedly grabbed Apro’s phone, prompting a physical scuffle before the device was handed back.

Following this, several young men surrounded the N1 TV crew, questioning their presence and recording activities. Despite Apro’s inquiries, they refused to identify the man responsible for the act, claiming they did not know him. Apro had in the meantime learned the name of the attacker, as well as that he is a student at the Faculty of Technical Sciences.

Journalist organizations in Serbia have condemned the incident. The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Nezavisno Udruženje Novinara Srbije – NUNS – https://nuns.rs/) called it a grave violation of press freedom, highlighting the growing trend of threats and harassment against journalists. According to data from NUNS database reports a total of 149 attacks, threats, and pressures on journalists so far this year, highlighting significant risks to media freedom and journalist safety.

You can read the NUNS article here: https://nuns.rs/nuns-najostije-osudjujemo-napad-na-novinarku-n1-leu-apro/

The Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Udruženje novinara Srbije – UNS – https://www.uns.org.rs/) also condemned the attack and called for prosecutorial action, asserting that violence against journalists is unacceptable and must be punished to send a clear message of deterrence.

This incident underscores the pressing need for safeguards to ensure journalists can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or harm.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the pressure made against journalist Lea Apro from N1. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a direct attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists. SEEMO calls on the relevant authorities in Serbia to take swift action to identify and hold accountable those responsible. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect journalists and uphold media freedom.

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 #novisad #leaapro #n1 #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Investigative journalist Avdo Avdić, editor-in-chief of news portal Istraga.ba (https://istraga.ba/), is facing serious threats following revelations of a murder plot orchestrated by alleged drug lord. The state institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina were alerted through international police channels about alleged plan by one person to kill Avdić in retaliation for reporting.

On 5 December 2024 this individual was arrested in one country close to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Avdić’s reporting has extensively covered this individual’s allegedly criminal network. Despite this person’s arrest, the threat against Avdić remains, prompting calls for heightened police protection. Journalistic associations, including the BH Journalists Association (BH Novinari – https://bhnovinari.ba/en/), have condemned both the threats from criminal networks and the defamatory rhetoric by some Bosnian officials aimed at discrediting Avdić.

This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards for journalists working under constant threat, as attacks on media freedom not only endanger individual lives but also erode democracy itself.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the threats made against Bosnian journalist Avdo Avdić, recognizing this as a direct attack on press freedom and journalist safety. SEEMO calls on authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to promptly investigate these threats, ensure Avdić’s protection, and take necessary actions to deter such behavior. These threats are particularly alarming given the essential role of journalists in holding power to account. SEEMO will closely monitor this case to ensure that justice is pursued and that the safety of media professionals is upheld.

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 #slovenia #istraga.ba #avdoavdic #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission

CC: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy /
Vice President of the European Commission

CC: Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement

CC: Thomas Ossowski, EU Ambassador to Türkiye

Open Letter to the European Commission
Re: Urgent Need for EU Action to Oppose Türkiye’s “Agent of Influence” Bill

Dear President von der Leyen,

We are writing to express our profound concern regarding the proposed “agent of influence” bill which has been under consideration by the Turkish Parliament. This draft legislation, initially presented to the Turkish Parliament in November and expected to be reintroduced before the end of the year, represents a significant threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and association, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.

The bill introduces a new offense titled “committing a crime against the security or political interests of the state,” and stipulates that individuals who commit crimes in line with the interests of, or under the direction of, a foreign state or foreign organization, that are against the security and political interests of the Turkish state, will face increased prison terms of three to seven years. However, the bill’s vague language and failure to clearly define its terms, coupled with Türkiye’s lack of judicial independence, would enable courts to effectively treat government critics as spies.

The bill is the latest in a series of measures designed to suppress dissent, following the 2022 disinformation law that imposes censorship and punitive actions on journalists and platforms.

By tightening control over civic space, this bill moves Türkiye away from the EU’s democratic standards. The EU must make it clear that such steps are incompatible with the core values of democracy, transparency, and fundamental rights that the EU upholds.

In this context, we call on the European Commission to:

· Publicly call on Türkiye to fully withdraw the bill: An official statement should emphasize the incompatibility of this legislation with democratic principles and the rule of law, and stress that any new legislation must align with international standards to protect freedom of expression, press freedom, and the legitimate activities of civil society.

· Prioritize freedom of expression in EU-Türkiye relations: Ensure that press freedom and the protection of civil society remain central in all EU relations with Türkiye.

· Engage diplomatically and support civil society: Raise this matter at high-level dialogues with Türkiye, and maintain the EU’s commitment to civil society, human rights and freedom of expression in Türkiye.

This is a pivotal moment for the EU to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles and human rights, not just within its borders but globally. Supporting the journalists, advocates, and citizens of Türkiye who champion freedom and accountability is both a moral imperative and a reinforcement of the EU’s foundational values.

We trust that the European Commission will respond swiftly and effectively to this urgent challenge.

Signed

International Press Institute (IPI)

Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)

Armãn PEN

ARTICLE 19 Europe

Articolo 21

Association of Journalists (GC)

Association for Monitoring Equal Rights (ESHİD)

Balkan Literary Herald (BLH)

Citizens’ Assembly – Turkey

Civil Rights Defenders (CRD)

Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ)

Croatian PEN

Çağdaş Hukukçular Derneği / Progressive Lawyers’ Association

Çanakkale Morpati Derneği

Danish PEN

Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG)

European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Foreign Media Association Turkey (FMA Turkey)

Freedom House

Genç Düşünce Enstitüsü

Hak İnisiyatifi Derneği

Human Rights Association (İHD)

Human Rights Agenda Association (İHGD)

IFEX

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)

IPS Communication Foundation / Bianet (IPS/BIA)

Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann

Journalists’ Union of Turkey (TGS)

Kadın Partisi

Kurdisch Enstîtu-Swîsre

Kurdish PEN

Media and Law Studies Association (MLSA)

Media and Migration Association (MMA)

Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT)

PEN America

PEN Català

PEN Esperanto

PEN International

PEN Melbourne

PEN Malawi

PEN Québec

PEN Sydney

PEN Türkiye

P24 Platform for Independent Journalism

Progressive Journalists Association (PJA)

San Miguel PEN

Swedish PEN

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)

Truth Justice Memory Center

University Queer Research and LGBTI+ Solidarity Association (UniKuir)

Van STAR Women Association

Velvele Queer Media Collective

Vietnamese Abroad PEN

Yapay Gündem