23.01.2025 – Journalists Face Legal Challenges Following Coverage of Trial in Greece

According to The Press Project – TPP (https://thepressproject.gr/ – @thepressproject) portal, one individual convicted of fatal bodily harm resulting in the death of an activist, filed a lawsuit against Konstantinos Poulis (Κωνσταντίνος Πουλής), born 1973, for alleged “online defamation.” Poulis is journalist and editor-in-chief of TPP portal, but also a translator, actor and writer. The Press Project reported about this lawsuit on 16 January 2025.

The legal action, submitted to the Prosecutor’s Office in Athens (Αθήνα), Greece, accuses Poulis of defamation and misuse of personal data.

Poulis reported on the trial of this activist death, including the 2 October 2024 hearing where this individual plea for sentence suspension was denied. His reporting included a prosecutor’s courtroom remark, which became the headline of his article.

This person objected to Poulis’ characterization of him, claiming that a defamatory term was used. Poulis defended his reporting, stating the term accurately described this person’s behavior as corroborated by video evidence and court rulings. He also contested the inclusion of the prosecutor’s remark in the article, which led him to file a disciplinary complaint against the judicial officer. Poulis maintained that his reporting was a truthful account of the proceedings, stressing the public’s right to information on such cases.

In a related case, relatives of this person sued journalist Anna Nini (Άννα Νίνη), who is working for different media in Greece, including the 2011 founded media platform Omniatv ( https://omniatv.com/), for allegedly violating personal data protections. Nini had recorded and shared footage from a court session. Nini argued that the footage served public interest by exposing the volatility surrounding the trial and ensuring transparency. She also reported alleged verbal attacks on victim’s lawyers by convicted individual relatives following the verdict.

Both cases have raised concerns about freedom of the press in Greece, particularly regarding the use of legal actions to stifle critical reporting. Advocacy groups, including The Press Project, have highlighted the importance of documenting high-profile trials like this one to ensure accountability and transparency. More about The Press Project you can read online: https://thepressproject.gr/the-tpp-transparency-page/. TPP journalist Jenny Tsiropoulou has been awarded the VOICES environmental journalism award for her report, “Offer water to your food delivery man: The climate crisis is worsening labor rights as well”. The award will be presented during the European Festival of Journalism & Media Literacy

The legal challenges against Poulis and Nini come amid broader scrutiny of press freedom in Greece, reinforcing calls for stronger safeguards to protect journalists from harassment and intimidation in their pursuit of truth and justice.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will closely monitor the situation and calls on Greek authorities to ensure that journalists can work without fear of legal harassment or reprisals, reaffirming the importance of protecting media freedoms in democratic societies.

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.

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On 10 January 2025, a court in Kulob / Khatlon (Кӯлоб), in the Khatlon Region in southern of the Republic of Tajikistan (Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон), sentenced Ahmad Ibrohim (Ахмад Иброхим), 63 years old, the editor-in-chief and founder of the paper Payk (Пайк), to a 10-year prison term. He was convicted on charges of bribery, extortion, and extremism in a closed-door trial held at the city’s pretrial detention center. The case was classified as secret, leaving many details unknown to the public.

Ibrohim’s arrest in August 2024 followed accusations of bribing a state security officer. However, his supporters and international observers, including Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ – https://cpj.org/) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF- https://rsf.org/en), have labeled the charges as retaliatory. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL – https://www.ozodi.org/) suspicions that the arrest was a setup, with claims that prosecutors pressured local officials to testify against him. Despite these efforts, none of the witnesses reportedly confirmed the allegations of extortion.

In a letter to Rustam Emomali (Рустам Эмомали), Chairman of the National Assembly of Tajikistan, Mayor of Dushanbe and the eldest son of Emomali Rahmon (Эмомали Раҳмон), President of Tajikistan, Ibrohim denied the accusations. He emphasized his lifelong opposition to extremism and dismissed the extremism charge as baseless, noting his extensive work exposing radical groups. Ibrohim, also an author of six novels, described the charges as a personal vendetta orchestrated by local authorities in response to his critical reporting.

Payk, founded 2012, the only critical newspaper in the Khatlon Province (Вилояти Хатлон), Tajikistan, has faced increasing pressure over the years, with authorities often targeting it for its investigative reporting. After Ibrohim’s arrest, the publication ceased operations. The Ministry of Culture previously revoked Payk’s license. According to state investigators, Ibrohim offered allegedly an employee of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) / Кумитаи давлатии амнияти миллии Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон a bribe of 2,000 TJS (around 177 EUR) for help in obtaining a license. Additional he was also accused of extortion and extremism.

Ibrohim’s case highlights the broader suppression of independent media in Tajikistan. Over the past decade, the government has systematically dismantled press freedom, leaving few platforms for dissent. In recent years, numerous journalists have been sentenced including with several years prison charge. In the fight against independent media the state used in the past tax fines or media management faced criminal charges. The sentence has drawn widespread criticism, with advocates urging Tajik authorities to release Ibrohim and other journalists imprisoned on politically motivated charges.

This incident reflects the escalating challenges faced by journalists in Tajikistan, where investigative reporting is increasingly treated as a threat to state power.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the harsh 10-year prison sentence handed to journalist Ahmad Ibrohim, editor-in-chief of Payk, following a closed-door trial on dubious charges of bribery, extortion, and extremism. This unjust verdict is a blatant attack on press freedom and serves as yet another alarming example of Tajikistan’s ongoing suppression of independent journalism. SEEMO calls on Tajik authorities to immediately release Ibrohim, along with other detained journalists, and to cease the persecution of media professionals who play a vital role in holding power to account. SEEMO will continue to monitor this case closely and advocate for the protection of press freedom in Tajikistan.

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.

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Journalists covering the raid by some opposition members of parliaments and councilors on the City Hall in Novi Sad, Serbia, on 17 January 2025 reported of alleged threats and physical aggression by Serbian police and Gendarmerie, raising serious concerns about press freedom and public safety.

Dragana Prica (@novosadskaprica) working for Radio 021 (https://www.021.rs/), a local radio station in Novi Sad, Serbia and Ksenija Pavkov working for N1 Television (https://n1info.rs/), a 24-hour cable news channel from Belgrade, Serbia, were allegedly forcibly dragged by the arms and shoulders and pushed out of the building, even after repeatedly showing their press cards. Aleksandar Latas (@TeodorTiranin), a journalist for Danas daily (https://www.danas.rs/) from Belgrade, was allegedly threatened by a policeman, while TV Nova S (https://nova.rs/) cameraman Darko Eker was allegedly pulled by his backpack containing equipment. Journalist Žarko Bogosavljević (@zarkobns) was allegedly physically knocked to the ground during his reporting from the protest.

All happened during broader protests and institutional blockades across Serbia, following the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that claimed 15 lives on 1 November 2025. Despite their critical role in documenting such events, media workers have faced obstruction and intimidation from authorities.

The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Nezavisno udruženje novinara Srbije – NUNS- IJAS – https://nuns.rs/) and the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (Nezavisno društvo novinara Vojvodine – NDNV – IJAV – https://ndnv.org/) have condemned these actions, highlighting the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ failure to protect journalists and the public interest. Instead of ensuring safe and unhindered reporting, police forces appear to have acted on directives to prevent media workers from carrying out their duties.

Serbian state Institutions are reminded of their obligation to respect press freedom, which is fundamental in any democratic society. Any use of force against journalists not only undermines their rights but is a direct assault on the freedom and safety of all citizens.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the unacceptable actions of Serbian police and Gendarmerie in Novi Sad, where journalists were threatened, physically assaulted, and obstructed while reporting on the opposition’s City Hall break-in. These acts, including dragging reporters out despite valid press identification and using force to hinder their work, represent severe violations of press freedom and democratic principles. SEEMO calls on Serbian authorities, including the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia to ensure the safety of all journalists, hold accountable those responsible for these violations, and uphold the fundamental right to independent reporting in the public interest.

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 #novas #radio021 #n1 #DraganaPrica #ksenijapavkov #aleksandarlatas #danas #napadnanovinare #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Nurgeldi Halykov (Nurgeldi Halykow), a correspondent for the independent news platform Turkmen.news (https://en.turkmen.news/), registered in the Netherlands, was barred from traveling out of the country by the police in Aşgabat / Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan.

On 12 January 2025 Halykov was prevented from boarding a flight abroad at Ashgabat International Airport. He was detained and interrogated at the airport for several hours. Halykov’s luggage underwent multiple checks and invasive questioning about his travel plans and personal history. Officials cited no legal basis for their actions, leaving Halykov to seek answers from Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service, which has yet to provide clarity. He was informed of a “temporary travel ban” without further explanation.

Halykov had recently resumed life outside prison after serving a four-year sentence on fabricated fraud charges widely believed to be retaliation for his critical journalistic work. He was arrested 2020.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the travel ban imposed on journalist Nurgeldi Halykov by Turkmen authorities, a clear act of retaliation against his work and an infringement on his fundamental rights. Preventing Halykov from leaving the country without any legal justification is a blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism and restrict his freedom of movement and livelihood. SEEMO urges Turkmen authorities to immediately lift the travel ban and cease all forms of harassment against media professionals. We will closely monitor this situation and continue advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists in Turkmenistan.

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 #turkmenistan #NurgeldiHalykov #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

In a concerning incident one Serbian politician revealed personal data of the Croatian Journalist Matej Devčić, working for Telegram portal (https://www.telegram.hr/). He was in covering student protests in Belgrade, Serbia. The Serbian politician presented in the public a copy of Devčić’s Croatian ID card, suggesting, without evidence, that Devčić was training student protest leaders in Serbia. The journalist was in Serbia solely for reporting purposes.

This incident follows a troubling trend. Recently also in the Serbian public were presented personal data of dual-citizenship students with Croatian citizenship, falsely linking them to Croatian intelligence services.

The backdrop to these incidents involves large-scale student protests in Serbia. The demonstrations, began as reaction after a tragic accident that happened on 1 November 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia. On 1 November 2024, a concrete canopy at the main railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia, collapsed, killing 15 people and seriously injuring two. Despite the peaceful nature of these student protests, the politicians in power in Serbia have sought to discredit them by alleging foreign interference, particularly from Croatia.

The misuse of personal data and public targeting of a journalist raises serious concerns about press freedom and safety of foreign journalists in Serbia.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the publicly disclosing personal information about Croatian journalist Matej Devčić. This blatant violation of journalistic safety and personal privacy is a dangerous attempt to intimidate and discredit independent reporting. Such practices are unacceptable and undermine press freedom and democratic principles. SEEMO calls on Serbian authorities and media outlets to respect the rights and safety of journalists and will closely monitor this situation to ensure accountability. An urgent response from the Serbian police is required regarding this illegal use of personal data, as well as the discovery of how the politician was able to obtain a copy of the journalist’s ID card.

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 #serbia #belgrade #telegram #matejdevcic #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

During a presidential TV debate on Croatian Radiotelevision (Hrvatska radiotelevizija – HRT – https://www.hrt.hr/), President of Croatia Zoran Milanović targeted journalist and columnist Tomislav Krasnec (@krasnec) with verbal insults. The incident occurred on 7 January 2025 as Milanović faced off against rival Dragan Primorac. When Primorac referenced passages from Krasnec’s book “Neprijatelja niotkuda”, which analyzes the turbulent relationship between Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the president responded by dismissing Krasnec as a “court writer” and labeling him a “corrupt person.”

You can watch the debate by HRT here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zl9peGt_Vo

The attack was immediately condemned by the Croatian Journalists’ Association (Hrvatsko Novinarsko Društvo – HND – https://www.hnd.hr/ ). HND President Hrvoje Zovko criticized the remarks as “unacceptable communication” and expressed concern about the repeated use of hostile rhetoric by Milanović toward journalists. Drago Hedl, HND’s vice president and a respected investigative journalist, also condemned the incident, noting that it is troubling when journalists become targets in political debates.

Krasnec, a long-time reporter and columnist for Večernji list (https://www.vecernji.hr/), is known for his detailed political analysis. His book, published in 2023, explores the long-standing tensions between Croatian President Milanović and Croatian Prime Minister Plenković. The book became a focal point in the debate, with Primorac citing excerpts to highlight the strained relationship between the two leaders.

Croatian journalists are calling for accountability and demanding that political leaders refrain from using hostile language that undermines their work and endangers press freedom in the country.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the unacceptable verbal attack on journalist Tomislav Krasnec by Croatian President Zoran Milanović during a televised debate. Such rhetoric toward journalists, especially from high-ranking officials, poses a serious threat to media freedom and undermines the essential role of the press in a democratic society. SEEMO emphasizes that no journalist should be subjected to insults for their professional work and calls on all political figures in Croatia to respect media independence. SEEMO will continue to monitor this situation closely and advocate for the protection of journalists in Croatia and the wider 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 #hnd #vecernjilist #tomislavkrasnec #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The public was recently made aware of several incidents that occurred since summer in Turkmenistan connected to photojournalist and human rights advocate Soltan Achilova (Солтан Ачилова / also written Gurban Soltan Achilova / Soltan Açylowa / Gurbansoltan Achilova), born 1949. She has publicly disclosed a chilling attempt on her life in Turkmenistan, revealing that she was several times since summer allegedly targeted with poisoned food, last time just days before a planned trip to Switzerland. The attack highlights the continued repression faced by independent journalists in one of the world’s most authoritarian states.

According to Achilova, a man presenting himself as a victim of police misconduct came to her home in mid-November 2024. Achilova listened to his story with empathy, promising to help him document his experience and agreed to record his story on video. Days later, he returned with juice and pastries as a gesture of thanks. A neighbor visiting Achilova that day ate one of the pastries and soon after suffered a severe health crisis, displaying signs of a stroke and requiring emergency medical care. Suspicious of the incident, Achilova checked other food items left by the man and found an oily liquid in the juice. She accused the Service of National Security of trying to poison her.

You can listen to her story that was published on Chronicles of Turkmenistan (Хроника Туркменистана – ХТ – https://www.hronikatm.com/) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp5de93Vi3s . The news portal reported about this case on 20 December 2024.

Reaction came on 9 January 2025 from Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur for human rights defenders. She said over her Facebook profile: •I am deeply concerned by recent reports of alleged attempts to poison WHRD Gurbansoltan Achilova just before she was set to travel from #Turkmenistan to Geneva for the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in November 2024. These serious allegations must be urgently and effectively investigated.

The case is connected to other pressure she had in November 2024, about what SEEMO reported in a statement published on 2 December 2024: https://seemo.org/ressources/02-12-2024-turkmenistans-soltan-achilova-faces-harassment/

Harassment is not new for Achilova. She remains one of the few independent journalists in Turkmenistan who reports openly without hiding her identity. Her fearless reporting has made her a constant target of intimidation, surveillance, and physical attacks since she began her career in 2006. In 2014 she was attacked by several people while she was reporting from a market and in 2016 she was attacked and robbed by a group of people who took away her camera after police questioned her regarding taking photos at a shop. In 2023, border officials deliberately damaged her passport to prevent her from traveling abroad.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the attempted poisoning and continued harassment of independent journalist Soltan Achilova by Turkmen authorities. The targeted attacks against Achilova, including her forced detention and systematic intimidation, represent a blatant violation of press freedom and human rights in Turkmenistan. Such actions are part of a disturbing pattern of state repression aimed at silencing independent voices. SEEMO urges the international community to hold Turkmen officials accountable for these oppressive measures and demands immediate guarantees for the safety and freedom of all journalists in the country. SEEMO will closely monitor Achilova’s case and the broader situation in Turkmenistan to ensure transparency 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 #turkmenistan #SoltanAchilova #journalistattack #journalistarrest #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Georgian authorities have come under scrutiny for escalating their harassment of journalists, with involving media representatives from Batumelebi (https://batumelebi.netgazeti.ge/) and its sister outlet NetGazeti (https://netgazeti.ge/). The incidents highlight growing concerns about press freedom in Georgia.

On 16 December 2024 Eter Turadze, editor-in-chief of Batumelebi, was forcibly removed from a protest near the Constitutional Court in Batumi, Georgia, by one police officer. He was questioning Beselia.

The protests in Georgia erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a four-year suspension of European Union (EU) accession talks. The decision has fueled public outrage, with protesters demanding democratic reforms and a renewed commitment to EU integration. The protests have been met with police crackdowns, raising concerns about human rights violations and the country’s future.

Following the incident, member of police was caught on video allegedly verbally attacking Turadze.

On 11 January 2025 Mzia Amaghlobeli, the director of Batumelebi and NetGazeti, was arrested twice in Batumi during a protest demanding fair parliamentary elections. Her second arrest led to criminal charges of allegedly assaulting a police officer, a serious offense under Georgian law punishable by four to seven years in prison.

Amaghlobeli’s lawyers reported that she was denied access to legal counsel for several hours after her arrest. During that time, she claimed to have been allegedly mistreated by police. The Public Defender’s Office confirmed that its representatives visited her and noted multiple violations, including instances of police mistreatment and verbal abuse.

The Georgian Media Ombudsman described Amaghlobeli’s detention as a direct attack on freedom of speech, noting that both Batumelebi and NetGazeti have been vocal in their criticism of government corruption and human rights violations.

Authorities have launched an investigation into Amaghlobeli under Article 353 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to attacks on police officers or public officials. However, as of now, formal charges have not yet been filed.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the harassment, detention, and intimidation of journalists Eter Turadze and Mzia Amaghlobeli in Georgia. The actions taken by the Georgian authorities, particularly the police leadership in Batumi, Georgia, represent an alarming attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence independent media outlets like Batumelebi and NetGazeti. SEEMO urges the Georgian officials to immediately cease all forms of pressure on journalists and ensure their protection in accordance with international standards. SEEMO will continue to closely monitor these cases and calls on authorities to guarantee accountability for any violations against media professionals.

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 #georgiaprotest #EterTuradzeb #MziaAmaghlobeli #Batumelebi #NetGazeti #journalistdetained #journalistarrest #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 6 January 2025, Ukrainian journalist Alyona Bereza (Альона Береза), founder of the Khmelnytskyi-based (Хмельницький), Ukraine, media outlet Zhar.Info, reported receiving several threatening emails claiming that bombs had been planted at her office and six other locations across Ukraine. The anonymous sender, who claimed to reside in Switzerland, sent messages with disturbing content.

Bereza stated to the Institute of Mass Information (Інститут масової інформації IMI – https://imi.org.ua/en), that similar emails had been received before, but the recent threats featured new details and were sent from a suspicious email address allegedly registered under a woman’s name, though the language in the messages suggested they were written by a man.

You can read more here: https://imi.org.ua/en/news/zhar-info-journalist-receives-bomb-threats-via-email-i65888

According to head of communications for the Khmelnytskyi regional police, several institutions in the region also received similar bomb threats on 6 January 2025. Police and explosives experts were dispatched to investigate, and after thorough inspections, authorities confirmed that no explosives were found. The incidents are being investigated under Article 259 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which deals with false reports of threats to public safety.

This latest threat follows a series of similar incidents targeting media outlets in Ukraine. In December 2024, Zhar.Info and other national and regional media received bomb threats via email, with the senders making various accusations and blaming journalists for alleged attacks. These intimidation tactics appear aimed at silencing independent media voices in Ukraine. Bereza also received an email with bomb threats in October 2024. Also in October 2024 the local police received a total of nearly 50 reports about bombs planted in various facilities, as the Institute of Mass Information (IMI – Інститут масової інформації) reported. Also that time according to IMI other media outlets in Ukraine received bomb threats via email, like the Suspilne Cherkasy (Суспільне Черкаси ) team, Rivne branch of the National Public Broadcasting Company Suspilne Rivne (Суспільне Рівне) , the online news outlet Pershyi Kryvorizkyi (Перший Криворізький), and the Multimedia Broadcasting Platform of Ukraine, as well as journalist Valentyna Kuts working for the Lutsk Center for Investigative Journalism Syla Pravdy and Maria Bodnarashek from news outlet 0372.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the bomb threats made against Ukrainian journalist Alyona Bereza and the media outlet Zhar.Info, as well as similar threats targeting other journalists and media institutions across Ukraine. These intimidation tactics are clear attempts to silence independent journalism and undermine press freedom in the region. SEEMO calls on Ukrainian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure the safety of media professionals.

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.

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On 12 January 2025 it will be four years since Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau (Андрэй Аляксандраў) was detained and imprisoned in Belarus. His case is reminiscent of ongoing attacks on independent journalism and human rights in Belarus.

Aliaksandrau, born 1978, a well-known journalist and media freedom advocate, was arrested on 12 January 2021. The Belarusian authorities accused him of paying fines on behalf of protesters who were detained during the mass pro-democracy protests that followed the highly disputed 2020 presidential election. The state claimed that such financial assistance amounted to “organizing and financing unlawful protests.” Aliaksandrau later faced additional charges of “high treason,” and in October 2022, he was sentenced to 14 years in prison and a fine of 32,000 BYN (around 9,500 EUR). Charges were according to following articles of the Criminal Law of Belarus: Article 342— Organization and preparation of actions that grossly violate public order, or active participation in them; Art. 243 — Evasion of taxes and fees; Article 361-1— Creation of an extremist formation, or participation in it and Article. 356 — High treason. He is in prison in the Penal colony No. 1. These harsh sentences were part of a broader crackdown on dissents, including journalists and human rights defenders, arrested and persecuted in the past years.

International organizations, including ARTICLE 19 (https://www.article19.org/) and Index on Censorship (https://www.indexoncensorship.org/), have consistently advocated for the couple’s release. Both organizations launched the #FreeAndrei campaign to raise awareness about his plight and highlight the broader human rights violations in Belarus. The campaign includes video messages from journalists and human rights defenders calling for the release of the couple and all political prisoners in Belarus.

You can also sign the petition that was organized for Andrei here: https://freeandreiandirina.org/#home

During his time in detention, Aliaksandrau wrote a poem reflecting on his experience, which has since become a symbol of his resilience. Supporters are encouraged to share this poem and use the hashtag #FreeAndrei to amplify the call for his freedom.

You can hear the poem that Andrei wrote in Belarusian here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emMgFY_ijBI

You can hear the poem that Andrei wrote in English here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdfvVhwiQBI

Aliaksandrau is known for his extensive work in promoting press freedom. He previously cooperated with ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship and founded JournalBy.com(https://journalby.com/), an Belarusian media platform. He also collaborated with various human rights organizations, advocating for freedom of expression in the region.

Since his detention, his communication with the outside world has been limited. Supporters have reported difficulties in sending letters, as it appears that political prisoners in Belarus often do not receive correspondence. Despite this, Aliaksandrau remains a symbol of courage for many, with a clear conscience about his actions.

The 2020 Belarusian presidential election, which sparked the protests leading to Aliaksandrau’s arrest, was marred by widespread allegations of fraud. The subsequent crackdown on peaceful protesters resulted in over 30,000 arrests, with many journalists and human rights defenders facing harsh prison sentences.

As the fourth anniversary of their detention approaches, the fight for their freedom remains a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Belarus.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the continued unjust imprisonment of Belarusian journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau, as well as the ongoing repression of press freedom in Belarus. The baseless charges and harsh sentences handed down to Andrei reflect a blatant violation of human rights and a deliberate attack on independent journalism. SEEMO stands in solidarity with him and all political prisoners in Belarus, reiterating the urgent call for their immediate and unconditional release. SEEMO will be closely monitoring their situation and the broader crackdown on media freedom in Belarus to ensure that these grave injustices do not go unnoticed.

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.

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