18.11.2024 – Police Obstruct Journalist During Protest Coverage in Tbilisi, Georgia

During the “Reclaim Our Voice!” protest organized by women on 13 November 2024, near Georgia’s Central Election Commission in Tbilisi (თბილისი), Georgia, photojournalist and freelancer Vakho Kareli (ვახო ქარელი) faced obstruction from state authorities while covering the event. Despite repeatedly identifying himself as a member of the press, Kareli was forcibly removed from the area where the protest took place by a policeman with words: “If you’re a journalist, you shouldn’t be arrogant.” The protest was part of a broader demonstration against alleged electoral fraud connected to the October 2024 parliamentary elections.

Tensions arose as police prevented participants from blocking traffic, leading to confrontations. Kareli, who claims he was standing on the roadside alongside other reporters, recounted that a police officer allegedly acted aggressively and refused to explain the intervention, even attempting to forcibly relocate him. In response to the incident, Kareli has filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Service.

Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics – https://www.qartia.ge/en) condemned the incident, emphasizing that journalists must be treated with respect and allowed to perform their duties, especially during public protests. Press freedom organizations and other watchdogs have demanded that authorities ensure the protection and professional rights of media workers, particularly as journalists in Georgia continue to face rising pressure and challenges while reporting on politically sensitive events.

More about the work of Kareli you can see also online: https://www.instagram.com/vakhokareli/. He works for different media in the countries, like Aprili Media (https://aprili.media/main/) and Formulanews (https://formulanews.ge/).

It was not the first time that Kareli had problems with the state authorities in Georgia. Last year, in October, the State Security Service of Georgia – სახელმწიფო უსაფრთხოების სამსახური (SSSG / SUS) summoned Kareli and one additional person in a follow up to a training plot allegation, after participating in a training organized by a foreign NGO. According to SUS “destabilization and unrest” were planned by “a certain group of persons operating on the territory of Georgia and beyond.”

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the obstruction and mistreatment of photojournalist Vakho Kareli. SEEMO emphasizes that such actions undermine press freedom and the ability of journalists to report safely and freely, which is a core pillar of democracy. SEEMO calls on Georgian authorities to respect journalists’ rights and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties. SEEMO will be closely monitoring developments in 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.

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On 12 November 2024, Sigfrido Ranucci, working since 1990 for the Italian public radio and television Radiotelevisione italiana (RAI), journalist and host of the of Rai’s RAI 3 investigative news programme Report. (https://www.rai.it/programmi/report/), revealed in a Facebook post that the team received a serious death threat.

The threat followed a broadcast by journalist Giorgio Mottola, RAI 3 journalist, on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The threat included a disturbingly referenced the 2015 Charlie Hebdo massacre. In the threats the team was attacked for an allegedly anti-Israel report.

You can read the Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/share/18C6dPvGWD/?mibextid=WC7FNe

You can see the Giorgio Mottola broadcast here: https://www.rai.it/programmi/report/inchieste/Il-laboratorio-996f7402-dd1d-4ed9-9308-14251bf824e7.html . The report, prepared by Giorgio Mottola, dealt with the delicate situation in Gaza and provoked divisive reactions.

Charlie Hebdo (https://charliehebdo.fr/) is a French satirical weekly magazine known for its provocative and often controversial cartoons, articles, and commentary, which frequently target political and religious figures. On 7 January 2015 the magazine’s Paris, France, office was attacked in a terrorist shooting attack by two French-born Muslim brothers, who killed 12 people, including eight journalists, two police officers, one caretaker and one visitor. The attack was a reaction in response to Charlie Hebdo’s publications of cartoons depicting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. The tragedy underscored global debates about freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and security.

Ranucci reported the threat to police and received strong support by press freedom advocates, journalist unions, politicians, leading Italian journalists and the Rai supervisory commission. Statements poured in, emphasizing the gravity of the threat and the need for swift investigation. Politicians called for protective measures for journalists and denounced the rise in attacks on free press. Rai representatives voiced outrage, demanding action to defend journalistic independence and safety.

The incident highlights growing risks faced by journalists reporting about conflicts in the world and sensitive topics and has led to widespread calls for enhanced protection and immediate accountability for threats.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the alarming death threats directed at Sigfrido Ranucci and the Report editorial team following the broadcast of an investigative piece on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Such threats, especially invoking the tragic Charlie Hebdo attack, are unacceptable assaults on press freedom and journalistic safety. SEEMO emphasizes the critical need for robust state action to protect journalists from intimidation and violence. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the case to ensure that justice is served and that freedom of expression is safeguarded.

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 the evening of 10 November 2024 around 10 PM, Ana Raičković, editor of the crime section for Pobjeda (https://www.pobjeda.me/) daily newspaper, was violently attacked outside a Podgorica, Montenegro, restaurant. One businessman, his son, and their security guard, were arrested for their involvement. After a decision by the Basic Court in Podgorica all trhee were remanded in custody for up to 30 days. Police reported that Raičković and two family members endured verbal threats, escalating into physical violence, and that their car was also damaged.

Raičković sustained multiple blows to her head and body, providing testimony to the police. The assailants were detained for charges of violent conduct, with police emphasizing that such offenses against journalists carry heightened penalties.

The local tycoon has been previously associated with notable controversies and has allegedly a documented history of disputes with journalists, including a 2019 confrontation with journalist Vladimir Otašević which ended without serious consequences.

Government officials, including President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović and Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajić, publicly condemned the attack, urging swift justice. Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović described the incident as an assault on press freedom and democratic rights, emphasizing the state’s responsibility to protect journalists.

The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (Sindikat Medija Crne Gore – SMCG – TUMM – https://sindikatmedija.me/en/) and media watchdogs demanded strict enforcement of laws and pointed to this persons long-standing intimidation tactics, including using his media outlet for smear campaigns.

This year alone, Montenegro has witnessed a worrisome number of attacks on journalists, with media organizations stressing that authorities must demonstrate a zero-tolerance policy toward such violence.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the violent attack on journalist Ana Raičković and her family by a businessman, his son, and their security team. Such assaults against journalists undermine freedom of the press and democratic values. SEEMO calls on the authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation and to hold the perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to advocate for justice and uphold the safety and rights of 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 #montenegro #anaraickovic #pobjeda #journalistattacked #napadnanovinare #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On the morning of 8 November 2024 Turkish authorities detained journalist Furkan Karabay from the independent online news outlet 10Haber (https://10haber.net/) in a pre-dawn raid at his Istanbul, Türkiye / Turkey home. His arrest followed his coverage of the arrest and subsequent investigation of a member of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi – CHP) and mayor of one district in Istanbul, accused by prosecutors of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê – PKK). He reported about this in his media, as also with a series of articles on his personal X (formerly Twitter) account.

You can read 10Haber article about the arrest of Karabay here: https://10haber.net/gundem/10haber-editoru-furkan-karabay-gozaltinda-552365/

Karabay is now facing serious charges, including “insulting a public servant,” “knowingly spreading misleading information,” and “making targets of individuals tasked with combating terrorism.” An Istanbul court on 9 November ruled to transfer him to prison pending trial. His lawyer has harshly criticized the arrest, describing the actions against Karabay as baseless and emphasizing that the journalist’s posts merely repeated information already circulating in various media outlets and highlighted by CHP figures.

The case centers around social media content where Karabay reportedly mentioned the names of prosecutors involved in this party member investigation. He clarified during his court defense that these details had already been publicized by other news organizations and even explicitly cited by politicians. Nonetheless, authorities viewed his posts as a threat to the safety of the prosecutors.

This incident has sparked a significant outcry from press freedom advocates and opposition figures.

One 10Haber staff member criticized the aggressive methods used in Karabay’s arrest, pointing out that the journalist was willing to comply with authorities without the need for a forceful home raid. Meanwhile, social media saw an outpouring of solidarity, with colleagues and press unions like the Turkey Journalists Union (Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası – TGS – https://tgs.org.tr/en/) condemning the act as a blatant attempt to intimidate the media. TGS stressed that such actions are characteristic of authoritarian regimes where critical voices are silenced under the guise of combating terrorism.

In December 2023 Karabay was arrested after reporting on corruption in the judiciary and released in January 2024

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the arrest of journalist Furkan Karabay, whose detention for reporting on the investigation into opposition individual is a serious affront to press freedom. The use of baseless charges and aggressive tactics against a journalist performing his duty undermines democratic values and the right to access information. SEEMO emphasizes the vital role of a free press in society and will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that fundamental rights are respected, urging Turkish authorities to release Karabay and uphold media independence.

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 #FurkanKarabay #10Haber #journalistarrest #journalistdetained #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Sergei Markelov (Сергей Маркелов), a Russian journalist currently residing in the United States, has reported that he is allegedly now the subject of a criminal investigation in Russia. Markelov shared this development on his Facebook page, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, although he refrained from giving detailed information. According to reports from the outlet Mediazona (Медиазона – https://en.zona.media/), his name does not yet appear in the official Russian Interior Ministry’s wanted list database, but delays in listing such cases are not uncommon. According to the journalist himself, his legal representative learned about the new developments from the investigator.

You can read the Facebook post here: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=8654481981332992&set=a.777813602333242

You can read Mediazona article here: https://zona.media/news/2024/11/06/markelov

Markelov has an extensive journalistic background, having collaborated with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s North.Realities (RFE/RL – https://www.rferl.org/author/rfe-rls-north-realities/pmouqt), the 7×7 (семь на семь – Горизонтальная Россия – https://semnasem.org/) regional news platform, and Novaya Gazeta (Новая газета – https://novayagazeta.eu/en). The allegations stem from alleged accusations of non-compliance with Russia’s stringent regulations for individuals labeled as “foreign agents.” Markelov was one of the first individuals added to this controversial register in December 2020, alongside other prominent journalists and activists.

Efforts to challenge his designation as a “foreign agent” proved unsuccessful, in November 2021, the City Court in Moscow (Москва), Russia, rejected his appeal. More recently, in November 2023, Markelov joined 19 other “foreign agents” in filing a complaint with the United Nations Human Rights Committee, arguing that the Russian government’s actions amount to persecution.

The “foreign agent” status in Russia entails severe restrictions. Those classified under this law face penalties for reporting errors, including fines or even imprisonment. As of 2022, further limitations were imposed, barring “foreign agents” from certain professions and public roles, such as teaching at state institutions and organizing events. Russian authorities are reportedly considering additional measures to tighten control over this group.

Markelov remains vocal despite these challenges. He humorously acknowledged his new status in a social media post, but the situation underscores the serious consequences for those opposing Russia’s policies. His case is emblematic of broader suppression efforts against journalists and activists who seek to hold the Russian government accountable.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the allegedly criminal case initiated against journalist Sergei Markelov in Russia. Such actions represent an alarming suppression of free press and an ongoing effort to silence journalists under the guise of restrictive “foreign agent” laws. SEEMO emphasizes the importance of protecting journalistic freedoms and will be closely monitoring the situation to support Markelov and to advocate for the rights of all journalists facing unjust persecution. The organization remains steadfast in calling for respect for media independence and safety.

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

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #russia #us #sergeimarkelov #rferl #novayagazeta #7×7 #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 6 November 2024, representative of one political party in the Kovin, Serbia, Municipal Assembly, allegedly assaulted journalist Miloš Ljiljanić from Kovinske Info portal (https://kovinskeinfo.rs/). During a broadcast covering the Assembly’s session, that was 3 hours and 10 minutes long, Ljiljanić had posed a question to the Speaker, which she ignored. Following this, this politician allegedly aggressively approached the journalist from behind, shoulder-checked him, and attempted to grab his phone, twisting his arm in the process. No one from the present members of the local Assembly reacted to protected the journalist.

Kovinske Info said that they appreciate the overwhelming support from their readers and community following the incident involving journalist Miloš Ljiljanić. They want to assure everyone that they are actively addressing the situation and taking every step to inform the public and safeguard our team’s safety. This incident will not be overlooked, nor will they allow similar behavior to occur again. They remain committed to upholding press freedom and will continue to work diligently to bring truth and transparency to our reporting.

You can see the video of the attack here: https://www.facebook.com/61550301659683/videos/1598303234452039

This assault not only underscores the rising threats journalists face from public officials in Serbia, but also reflects a dangerous pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing critical reporting. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns this attack and calls for accountability, emphasizing that violence against the press undermines democratic principles and public interest. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that justice is pursued and to highlight the ongoing concerns regarding the safety and protection of media workers.

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 #kovin #milosljiljanic #kovinskeinfo #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 31 October 2024, journalist Giorgos Androutsos (Γιώργος Ανδρούτσος) working for Rizospastis (Ριζοσπάστη – https://www.rizospastis.gr/) was violently detained by police while covering a demonstration by seasonal firefighters in Athens (Αθήνα), Greece. The protest, occurring outside the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, involved demands for permanent employment following a challenging wildfire season. Despite one Member of Greek Parliament’s warning that Androutsos was a journalist, police officers reportedly threw him down, beat him, and handcuffed him. The police also attacked the seasonal firefighters.

Injured, Androutsos was taken to Evangelismos Hospital (Νοσοκομείο Ευαγγελισμός) in Athens for a check-up before being released from custody the next day, though he still faces charges. Androutsos was released by an verbal order of the prosecutor and after a case file was filed.

The incident sparked criticism from Greek media and international press freedom organizations, who demand accountability, warning that such attacks undermine journalistic safety and press rights. Reaction came also from the Journalists’ Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers – Ένωσις Συντακτών Ημερησίων Εφημερίδων Αθηνών Ε.Σ.Η.Ε.Α. and from the Panhellenic Federation of Journalists’ Unions – Πανελλήνια Ομοσπονδία Ενώσεων Συντακτών Π. Ο. Ε. Σ.Υ.

Witnesses recorded officers aggressively confronting both journalists and protesters as riot units escalated the clash with force, including tear gas.

Androutsos later described being dragged and restrained, noting that despite repeatedly identifying himself as a journalist, police persisted in their aggression.

Critics argue that increasing state repression is stifling dissent and freedom of the press, particularly as government policies face growing public dissatisfaction.

You can watch the video of the attack here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmLnt4oq-1Q&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.902.gr%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.902.gr&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the violent attack and arbitrary arrest of journalist Giorgos Androutsos by the Greek police while he was covering a protest by seasonal firefighters in Athens. Such acts undermine press freedom and are a direct assault on the vital role journalists play in a democratic society. Authorities must urgently investigate this unacceptable incident, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that journalists are protected, not threatened or harmed, when performing their duties. Police violence and harassment against the press have no place in a democratic state. SEEMO emphasizes that journalists should be protected, not targeted, when performing their duties, and will be closely monitoring developments in this case to ensure that freedom of the press is upheld and that justice is served.

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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