15.01.2024 – SEEMO Condemns Arrest of Journalist Furkan Karabay @FurkannKarabay in Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey

On 28 December 2023, Furkan Karabay, the editor of the news portal Gerçek Gündem (The Real Agenda – https://www.gercekgundem.com/), found himself in the custody of Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey police in a concerning development for press freedom. Karabay, was detained in front of the Gerçek Gündem office and was kept at the Istanbul Police Department for hours without being allowed to see his lawyer. On 29 December, after spending the night at the police station, Karabay was released pending trial and was brought to the courthouse on 29 December in handcuffs and after to Karabay Marmara Prison.

During the interrogation at the 7th Criminal Magistrate Judgeship in Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey Karabay allegedly staunchly defended his journalistic practices, asserting that his reporting was conducted in the public interest and without distorting or commenting on the court statements. He emphasized that, as a journalist, he acts independently on behalf of the public, not on specific instructions.

The arrest not only raises concerns about the intimidation faced by journalists reporting on sensitive issues in Türkiye / Turkey but also highlights the broader challenges to media freedom in the country.

On 8 January 2024, 26th Criminal Court of First Instance in Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey decided to release Furkan Karabay from prison. Emphasizing his commitment to continue reporting, Karabay affirmed, “We will never hesitate to take responsibility.” The release decision followed objections from Karabay’s lawyers challenging his detention. There is still in his case a judicial control with a travel ban.

His detention was the result of his article published on 27 December, were he reported about a case of corruption and bribery trial of members of the judiciary. Allegations against Karabay included the charges of for allegedly ” targeting a person who took part in the fight against terrorism” and defamation. He was arrested for reporting on a public court documents – -available court minutes. You can see the link to Furkan Karabay article here: https://www.gercekgundem.com/siyaset/hakimler-ve-savcilar-kuruluna-o-hakim-ve-savcilar-hakkinda-gorevden-alin-yurt-disina-cikis-yasagi-koyun-talebi-446068

This incident adds to the ongoing debate about the robustness of the Turkish judiciary and its compatibility with democratic values. Journalists reporting on matters of public interest should be able to operate freely without fear of retribution. The arrest of Furkan Karabay underscores the need for a more conducive environment for press freedom in Türkiye / Turkey, where journalists can fulfill their vital role as watchdogs without facing undue threats or legal repercussions. As the international community closely watches these developments, the case of Furkan Karabay becomes emblematic of the challenges journalists face in striving to maintain transparency and accountability.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the arrest of Furkan Karabay. The charges are an unjustifiable attempt to stifle journalistic freedom and intimidate reporters. This incident underscores the alarming deterioration of press freedom in Türkiye / Turkey and raises serious concerns about the ability of journalists to operate independently and without fear of persecution. SEEMO further urges a comprehensive review of legal frameworks to ensure the protection of journalists and the preservation of an open and transparent press environment.

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 #journalistunderattack #turkey #GerçekGündem #istanbul #journalistarrested #journalistdetained #journalistinjail #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @gercekgundem @FurkannKarabay

Ukrainian journalist Oleh Baturyn (Олег Батурин), affiliated with the Center for Journalistic Investigations – Центр журналістських розслідувань (https://investigator.org.ua/ua/), is grappling with a disturbing episode of violent threats following his investigative report published on 31 December 2023. The report exposed the Russian connections of a representative of Kherson’s (Херсон) regional council in Ukraine, who allegedly recently registered his business in Russia and acquired a Russian passport. While the story lacked a byline, Baturyn shared it on Facebook, and shortly thereafter, he found himself targeted by a barrage of menacing messages, including rape threats and homophobic comments. These threats, originating from approximately five different sources on various social media platforms, prompted Baturyn to report the issue to the police on 4 January 2024. You can see the mentioned report here: https://investigator.org.ua/ua/news-2/pivden/262723/; You can also see the Oleh Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/oleh.baturin/posts/pfbid0RgV3rtq1XYNVC4ga9WittR5UKQDUGuMghw4MRRPK1vsC2Gx8VFzux3aNfvXj8Gn3l

The journalist contends that these threats are directly linked to his publication about this individual, as the perpetrators explicitly express support for this individual and advocate violence against Baturyn in response to the report. This troubling development raises significant concerns about the state of media freedom, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Kherson region.

Despite reporting the threats to the police, Baturyn remains apprehensive about his safety.

Further complicating the situation, Baturyn disclosed the alleged existence of a fake Telegram account bearing his name, photograph, and phone number, accompanied by a message soliciting sexual encounters. Concerned about potential misinformation dissemination, especially to individuals affiliated with the Russian occupation administration, Baturyn expressed heightened fears for his life and well-being.

In a bid to address the escalating situation, the police assured Baturyn of an investigator’s imminent contact on 6 January 2024, but as of 8 January 2024, he had not received direct communication from the investigator.

This alarming turn of events underscores the challenges journalists are facing in Ukraine, particularly those reporting on sensitive topics during times of conflict. Notably, this is not the first instance of threats against Baturyn. In 2019, he reported similar incidents to the police, which, unfortunately, were not registered. The situation calls for urgent attention and action to safeguard journalistic freedom and the safety of reporters operating in increasingly perilous environments.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) vehemently condemns the disturbing episode of violent threats and harassment targeting Ukrainian journalist Oleh Baturyn following his investigative report on 31 December 2023. The threats, which include rape and homophobic comments, represent a blatant attack on press freedom and the safety of journalists in the Kherson region. We express deep concern about the alleged connections between the threats and Baturyn’s report, highlighting the urgent need for authorities to thoroughly investigate and address this matter. SEEMO calls on the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Oleh Baturyn, promptly investigate the threats, and uphold the principles of media freedom. This incident underscores the precarious conditions journalists face and emphasizes the imperative to safeguard their well-being and freedom to report on sensitive issues without fear of reprisals.

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 #journalistunderattack #ukraine #OlehBaturyn #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Belarusian journalist and blogger Ales Sabaleuski (Алесь Сабалеўскі), known for his contributions to various local publications, remains in extended detention despite having served a second term of administrative detention, according to the Mayday Team Telegram channel. The channel, managed by journalists and human rights activists based in Mogilev (Магілёў), Belarus, reported this on 8 January 2024. Same information was distributed also over independent Belarusian Association of Journalists ( @baj_by )

The ordeal began on 12 December 2023, when Sabaleuski, was arrested and subsequently sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention the following day on undisclosed charges. During his stay in jail, additional charges were levied against him, allegedly accusing him of distributing ‘extremist’ content.

Consequently, his detention was extended beyond the initially anticipated release date of 6 January 2024. However, Sabaleuski’s release did not materialize as expected, prompting speculation that he might have been transferred to a pre-trial detention center. The specifics of the current charges remain unclear, requiring further clarification.

Allegedly Sabaleuski’s recent arrest is part of a series of law enforcement actions against him, including a search in January 2021 and the eventual return of seized office equipment in October 2022. The broader context includes a crackdown on Mahiliou.Media and 6TV Bielarus (www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1F3NLYBesNInI_uEGCPKg), deemed extremist formations, raising significant concerns about the state of press freedom in Belarus.

Some of his general videos are visible on his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sobsatby/about

Media freedom and journalist freedom in Belarus face challenges, marked by a concerning pattern of crackdowns and restrictions. The authoritarian regime led by President Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (Alyaksandr Ryhoravich Lukashenka) has consistently targeted independent journalists, bloggers, and media outlets critical of the government. These actions include arbitrary arrests, administrative detentions, and the labeling of media organizations as “extremist formations.”

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the continued detention and additional charges against Belarusian blogger Ales Sabaleuski. The authoritarian measures taken by the regime, including arbitrary arrests and accusations of distributing “extremist materials,” illustrate a blatant violation of press freedom. SEEMO urges the Belarusian authorities to respect journalistic rights, release Sabaleuski, and cease the targeted suppression of independent media. Such actions not only undermine freedom of expression but also perpetuate an atmosphere of intimidation, jeopardizing the essential role of journalists in fostering an informed society. SEEMO calls for international attention to address these violations and defend the rights of journalists 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 #journalistunderattack #belarus #AlesSabaleuski #journalistdetained #journalistarrested #jailedjournalist #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Slovakia is witnessing a troubling resurgence of threats against press freedom, bringing to the forefront concerns about the state of media in the country.

Almost six years after the shocking murder of journalist Ján Kuciak, who had been investigating corruption linked to Slovakia’s officials, the return to power of former Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised red flags.

Ján Kuciak, born on 17 May 1990, and murdered on 21 February 2018, was a dedicated Slovak investigative journalist. Employed as a reporter for the news portal Aktuality.sk, Kuciak’s journalistic focus centered primarily on uncovering instances of tax fraud involving several business figures with ties to high-ranking Slovak politicians. Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová, fell victim to an assassination on 21 February 2018, within their residence in Veľká Mača, Galanta District, Slovakia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico resigned on 15 March 2018, after weeks of public protests in the country over the killing of the journalist.

Back in power, following the elections on 30 September 2023, Fico took a drastic step by cutting off communication with four media outlets Aktuality.sk (https://www.aktuality.sk/), TV Markíza (https://www.markiza.sk/), SME (https://www.sme.sk/), and Denník N (https://dennikn.sk/). The prime minister accused these outlets of failing to provide truthful, comprehensive, and timely information.

On 4 December 2023 the government decided to reduce the funding of Rozhlas a televízia Slovenska (RTVS), the country public broadcaster, from planned 0.17% of GDP according to a parliament decision from June 2023 to “at least” 0.12%. The government decision of reduction of the state contribution means 55 Million EUR less for the public broadcaster.

The relation between Fico and journalists was always bad in the past. There were various pressures on journalists during the previous administrations of Fico when SEEMO many times reacted. Also the language Fico is using speaking about journalists and media was always problematic. For example Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico told in November 2016 journalists they were “dirty, anti-Slovak prostitutes”. According to media reports Fico said allegedly 2019 that “Slovak media represent the biggest threat to democracy.”

There is a general decline in trust in media outlets in Slovakia, plummeting to 37%, according to a 2023 study by the Globsec (https://www.globsec.org/), a non-governmental organisation based in Bratislava. Globsec study is published online: https://www.globsec.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/GLOBSEC%20Trends%202023.pdf

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is worried about media developments in Slovakia. SEEMO emphasizes the importance of an unrestricted media environment and urges the Slovakian government to uphold the principles of a free and independent press, vital for a healthy democracy. We stand in solidarity with journalists facing such challenges and stress the need for a robust commitment to journalistic integrity. SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation in Slovakia closely.

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 #journalistunderattack #slovakia #JánKuciak #Aktuality.sk #tvmarkiza #sme #dennikn #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @Aktualitysk @tvmarkiza @dennikN @denniksme

On 27 December 2023, an individual made explicit threats on the Facebook page of Cenzolovka (https://www.cenzolovka.rs/), a news portal that informs the public about issues of importance for media freedom in Serbia. The portal was founded by the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation in Serbia in 2014. The individual allegedly stated that journalists should be taken to the basement and ‘kill the god within them,’ further advocating to ‘kill all of you.’ The individual allegedly specified, ‘journalists supporting the destruction of state property and all leftist in Serbia should be eliminated swiftly.’ After one other Facebook user warned the author of the threats that what he was doing is criminal crime, the threats were deleted.

These menacing comments were posted under an article addressing how journalists can safeguard their data on their phones during a protest, should they be apprehended. The article in question can be found here: https://www.cenzolovka.rs/pritisci-i-napadi/mali-vodic-za-izvestace-sa-protesta-kako-zastititi-osetljive-podatke-sa-vaseg-telefona-ako-vas-policija-privede/

Cenzolovka has faced threats also in the past, like in 2017 when their former journalist and deputy editor-in-chief, Marija Vučić, received serious threats after publishing an article about far-right extremists disrupting the screening of the film “Albanians Are Our Sisters” in Niš, Serbia. The article detailing the threats can be accessed here: https://www.cenzolovka.rs/pritisci-i-napadi/pretnje-niskih-ekstremista-sad-ce-doci-vucicevo-obezbedjenje-oni-znaju-sa-novinarima/

Despite such intimidation, Cenzolovka is dedicated to reporting every threat to the authorities and demands the identification and prosecution of those responsible. In this recent case, a prompt response from the Prosecution is expected.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the recent threats directed at Cenzolovka. These reprehensible acts of intimidation undermine the principles of free media and journalist safety. SEEMO emphasizes the importance of journalists’ ability to work without fear of threats or violence and calls for a thorough investigation into the matter. Journalists must be allowed to fulfill their professional duties without interference, and any attempts to silence them through intimidation are unacceptable. SEEMO stands in solidarity with Cenzolovka and urges authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of journalists reporting on crucial issues.

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 #journalistunderattack #cenzolovka #serbia #marijavucic #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia @cenzolovka

On 3 January 2024 the freedom of the press in Kosovo faced a concerning incident as journalist Anđelko Utješanović, a correspondent for Tanjug news agency (https://www.tanjug.rs/) from Belgrade, Serbia, was allegedly unexpectedly barred from entering Kosovo by the Kosovo border police at the Merdare border between Serbia and Kosovo. The incident unfolded during Utješanović’s journey with a Serbian Orthodox Church delegation, accompanying Patriarch Porfirije, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who was visiting Kosovo to celebrate in Kosovo the Serbian Orthodox Christmas.

Despite prior announcements and the delegation’s official status, the Kosovo Police, allegedly without providing any clear explanation, directed Utješanović to halt his journey, citing an entry ban imposed by the Pristina / Prishtinë / Priština government.

According to the journalist, when he arrived at the border crossing, he got a rejection letter that did not say why he was banned from entering Kosovo. Additionally, an email from the Prishtina government, directed to the Serbian Orthodox Church, explicitly confirmed the entry prohibition for Utješanović.

SEEMO would like to remind, that journalist Svetlana Vukmirović, who is working for Radio Television of Serbia (Радио-телевизија Србије – RTS) the public broadcaster of Serbia, since 2021 can not enter Kosovo, citing alleged threats to public order, internal security, public health, or international relations of Kosovo. The latest ban came on 1 May 2023. The institution of the Ombudsman in Kosovo has initiated an investigation into the case of Svetlana Vukmirović, acknowledging the concerns raised by international press freedom and journalist organizations. SEEMO several times reported about this case.

These two incidents raise serious questions about the freedom of movement for journalists in Kosovo, but also underscore the need for transparent actions by authorities in Kosovo. Journalists play a crucial role in reporting events and facilitating the flow of information, and any unjustified restriction on their movements poses a threat to the principles of press freedom.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the bans, emphasizing the fundamental right of journalists for free movement. SEEMO calls for an urgent abolition of both bans. “I expect an urgent reaction and an apology from the government in Pristina and ending the practice of banning entry to Kosovo for journalists from Serbia”, said SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic.

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 #journalistunderattack #kosovo #tanjug #andjelkoutjesanovic #svetlanavukmirovic #rts #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 1 January 2024, as reported by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) (https://europeanjournalists.org/) and the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism (https://fom.coe.int/en/accueil), it was revealed that 108 journalists were in custody in European prisons.

Despite a slight decrease in the overall number of detained journalists in Europe compared to the previous year (from 124 to 108), certain nations experienced a noticeable increase in repression. Notably, Russia became the country with the highest number of imprisoned journalists in Europe, totaling 40 journalists in Russia and on the by Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine.

Maja Sever, President of the EFJ, voiced apprehension, remarking, “The number of imprisoned journalists in Europe is nearly on par with the combined figures in China and Iran.” The recent upswing in arrests in Azerbaijan, designed to intimidate journalists, is a source of concern, and the EFJ urges the immediate release of journalists detained solely for carrying out their professional duties.

According to the EFJ’s list of 108 journalists Belarus saw 32 journalists detained, Russia had 23 on its territory and 17 on the occupied territory in Ukraine, Turkey had 19, Azerbaijan had 15, Poland had one, and the United Kingdom had one. This information is in accordance with EFJ’s findings. You can view the full list here: https://europeanjournalists.org/blog/2024/01/01/104-journalists-spent-new-years-eve-in-prison-in-europe/.

ccording to numbers published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) number of journalists detained as of 29 December 2023 was 39 in Belarus, 29 in Russia, 7 in Azerbaijan, 5 in Turkey 5, 2 in Turkmenistan, and 4 in Uzbekistan

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the alarming situation where journalists spent New Year’s Eve in European prisons.

SEEMO expresses deep concern over the rise in repression. SEEMO calls on national governments to take immediate and effective measures to uphold press freedom, protect journalists, and release those detained solely for performing their crucial journalistic duties. This worrisome trend underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to ensure a free and safe environment for media professionals across Europe. All journalists in jail must become free immediately in all 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, the 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 #journalistunderattack#europe #journalistdetained #efj #journalistarrested#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public broadcaster, the Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT)(https://www.bhrt.ba/), is encountering a significant financial crisis.

The broadcaster has underscored the imminent difficulties arising from the lack of an agreement for the collection of the Radio Television (RTV) tax in the Federation BiH, one of the two entities composing Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In written communication, BHRT emphasized the unpredictability of its existing RTV fee revenue, resulting in the accrual of losses that impede the funding of program-related responsibilities. The agreement with Elektroprivreda BiH, the government-owned electric utility company, for the collection of RTV taxes, was set to conclude at the close of 2023 and a new one has to be signed.

The problems of BHRT are not new. One year ago BHRT informed the public, that in 2022 there was a decrease in income from the RTV tax of nearly 800,000 BAM (409,642 EUR), and as a result of the blocking of the account from the Federation BiH Tax Administration, BHRT was left without 1,400,000 BAM (716,874 EUR).

Adding complexity to the situation, Radio Television of Republika Srpska (RTRS), the public broadcaster in Republika Srpska, another entity composing Bosnia and Herzegovina, has outstanding debts to the Federation exceeding 80 million BAM (approximately 40,964,221 EUR). RTRS completely ignores the legal obligation to distribute revenue from the collected RTV tax in Republika Srpska, BIH, and since mid-2017 has not paid any money to the BHRT’s account.

Additionally, according to BHRT, the Radio Television of the Federation (RTVFBIH) of Bosnia and Herzegovina owes also money. On the other side, RTVFBIH says, that it does not have a single debt towards BHRT

Furthermore, BHRT encounters difficulties in compensating its staff, as two-thirds of its workforce, comprising technical personnel and videographers, receive salaries below 800 BAM (approximately 410 EUR) per month.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is worried about the developments connected to BHRT and asks all authorities in Sarajevo and Banja Luka to urgently solve the financial problems of the only national-wide public broadcaster and EBU member.

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 #journalistunderattack #bosniaandherzegovina #bhrt #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On Thursday 28 December 2023, a member of the security of Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti obstructed journalist Blerta Dalloshi-Berisha, who works for Televizioni Klan (TV Klan).

The incident involved the security personnel pushing her while she was performing her journalistic duties. A video posted on the official RTV Klan You tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cns6zOa9rTc . The video captures the moment when Dalloshi-Berisha is grabbed and pushed by a member of the prime minister’s security team as she attempts to pose a question to him.

“This is the second time I’ve been attacked and prevented while performing my professional duties,” wrote Blerta Dalloshi-Berisha on her Facebook profile, “however, today’s event surpasses everything else.” “My right arm still hurts,” said Dalloshi-Berisha.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the reprehensible incident involving a member of Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s security team obstructing and physically assaulting journalist Blerta Dalloshi- Berisha from TV Klan. This blatant violation of press freedom is deeply concerning, and SEEMO calls for an immediate and thorough investigation by the authorities to hold those responsible accountable. Such actions undermine the fundamental principles of a free press and democracy. SEEMO urges Prime Minister Kurti to unequivocally denounce this behavior, ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists to carry out their essential work without fear of intimidation or violence. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies, and incidents like these demand swift and decisive action to protect the rights of journalists in Kosovo and beyond.

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 #journalistunderattack #albania #kosovo #tvklan #BlertaDalloshi-Berisha #journalistattacked #journalistassaulted#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia