07.11.2024 – SEEMO Condemns Violent Attacks on Journalists Durning Novi Sad, Serbia, Protest

On 5 November 2024 in Novi Sad, Serbia, a protest took a violent turn when a group of masked individuals infiltrated the demonstrators, attacking journalists and police. According to N1 news channel (https://n1info.rs/) reporter Žaklina Tatalović, this group, armed with baseball bats, flares, and various objects, clashed with police officers stationed in the center of Novi Sad, Serbia. At one point, members of the group reportedly broke an N1 camera and assaulted a cameraman, obstructing the team’s ability to cover the event.

You can read the N1 article here: https://n1info.rs/vesti/maskirani-muskarci-razbili-kameru-tv-n1-napadnut-snimatelj-u-novom-sadu/

Additional a group attacked Mirko Todorović, the cameraman of the Euronews Serbia (https://www.euronews.rs). As can be seen in a video, an unknown man knocked down the cameraman of Euronews and he fell to the ground with the camera.

Witnesses reported that these masked individuals repeatedly threw objects creating a volatile atmosphere and escalating tensions within the crowd. Another N1 journalist covering the protests indicated that the instigators may have been local football club supporters, as they were heard chanting fan songs.

The protest in Novi Sad, Serbia, on 5 November 2024, was held in response to a tragic accident where a concrete canopy collapsed at the city’s newly renovated train station, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. Demonstrators demanded accountability from city and government officials, as well as a public investigation into the contractors involved in the station’s renovation. The protest intensified as participants clashed with police and called for transparency in public projects.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns this violent attack on media professionals, emphasizing that freedom of the press is a fundamental democratic right that must be respected, even in times of civil unrest. Journalists play a crucial role in keeping the public informed, and any aggression against them is an attack on freedom of information. SEEMO urges authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure the safety of journalists covering protests in Serbia. It is not the first time that during a protest in Serbia journalists have been attacked. Especially it is worried, that a large number of police officers, in uniforms and in civilian clothes, were present in the center of Novi Sad, which was seen in live broadcasts, but no one reacted to the attack on the journalists. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to promote accountability and safeguard journalists’ rights 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 #serbia #novisad #n1 #zaklinatatalovic #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 2 November 2024 Greek authorities detained Albanian journalists Fjorela Beleshi who is working for A2 CNN, and Elja Zotka working for TV Klan, along with film crews from A2 CNN (https://a2news.com/) news channel and TV Klan (https://tvklan.al/), for over four hours at the Greek-Albanian border crossing Krystallopigi (Greece) / Kapshticë (Albania). The teams, en route to Thessaloniki (Θεσσαλονίκη), Greece, to cover an event with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama and the Albanian diaspora, were reportedly delayed despite having valid documents. Their passports were briefly confiscated, and border officials barred them from crossing without clearance from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Authorities allegedly also restricted the journalists from documenting the delay via live reporting on their phones, thereby hindering real-time reporting on the unfolding situation. According to information from the journalists, the Greek authorities allegedly where asking the reporters to present a special permit issued by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enter Greece. Such a requirement had never been imposed on journalists and would be against free movement for journalists.

After Greek authorities granted final approval, the Albanian journalists were allowed to proceed, however, this incident highlights an unjustified restriction on journalistic work. Last-minute bureaucratic requirements and vague diplomatic demands, seemingly unrelated to customs, infringe on European commitments to press freedom and the free movement of journalists. These unwarranted delays without clear explanation disrupt journalists’ ability to operate transparently, posing a serious threat to democratic principles.

This is not the first time that Albanian journalists have problem entering Greece. For example in 2012 Marin Mema, reporter for Albania’s Top Channel TV, was denied entry to Greece after Greek border guards deemed him a threat to national security. According to the journalist, as he reported in 2012 he was listed as dangerous person and as persona non grata in Greece.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the unjustified detainment of Albanian journalists at the Greek border, viewing this incident as a direct infringement on press freedom and a concerning obstruction of journalists’ ability to report. Such actions not only undermine democratic values but also set a troubling precedent for cross-border media operations in Europe.

Greek authorities must explain this detainment and outline requirements for future cases to prevent similar issues. Clear communication of any documentation requirements for foreign journalists in advance would avoid these disruptions, supporting a process that aligns with European standards protecting press freedom and ensuring smooth cross-border access. Journalists must travel and work without barriers. Standing with the Albanian journalists affected, we urge the EU to uphold press freedom and transparent processes for journalists’ rights across borders. In democratic societies, press freedom is non-negotiable, and incidents like this should not be tolerated. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case and urges Greek authorities to ensure transparency and respect for journalistic rights in accordance with European standards.

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

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation#ngo #journalist #albania #greece #FjorelaBeleshi #EljaZotka #a2cnn #tvklan #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 31 October 2024 Kosovar journalist Vehbi Kajtazi (vehbi.kajtazi) discovered a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device attached to his car during a routine inspection, sparking widespread alarm within the press community. Kajtazi, specializing in security and justice and editor-in-chief and sole owner of the news platform Paparaci (https://paparaci.com/), and former editor-in-chief of the Insajderi portal until 2021. had recently expressed suspicions of being followed by agents from the Kosovo Intelligence Agency (Agjencia Kosovare e Inteligjencës – AKI), and had notified the authorities of these concerns just days prior.

You can read previous SEEMO article about this here: https://seemo.org/ressources/29-10-2024-pristina-prosecutors-office-inititates-investigation-of-journalists-vehbi-kajtazi-and-lirim-mehmetaj/

Upon discovery, the device was handed over to the Kosovo Police, who promptly removed it and initiated an investigation. Initial police findings confirmed it was a GPS device, used for tracking locations. The incident has led to heightened worries among journalists, who view this as an escalation in intimidation tactics against the press.

Kajtazi, who has been vocal about his lack of safety, took to social media to share his concerns, saying he feels increasingly unsafe due to the lack of both physical security and legal protections. He has since called for his case to be taken up by the Special Prosecutor’s Office to ensure an unbiased investigation.

Kajtazi’s initial suspicions of surveillance by the AKI even led to a parliamentary committee summoning the AKI director for a hearing on 30 October 2024, a session allegedly boycotted by ruling party members.

Connected to the security of Kajtazi is also the information, that one person was sentenced by Pristina Basic Court on Monday 4 November 2024 to 150 days in prison for sending a message to Kajtazi, threatening to pour gasoline on him. The threatening message was sent through Facebook several weeks earlier, on 9 October 2024.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the discovery of a GPS tracking device on the vehicle of Kosovar journalist Vehbi Kajtazi as a serious violation of press freedom and an alarming attack on the safety of journalists. Such incidents are entirely unacceptable and pose a direct threat to the right of journalists to operate without fear or intimidation. SEEMO calls on Kosovar authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation to identify those responsible and ensure accountability. SEEMO will follow closely the developments related to the case in question, until it is fully clarified by the authorities of Kosovo. SEEMO will continue to closely monitor the situation to support a safe environment for journalists in Kosovo.

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 #kosovo #vehbikajtazi #paparaci #journalistattack #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 30 October 2024 TV Markíza (https://www.markiza.sk/) reporter Kristína Kövešová was violently attacked while working on a report in Trnava, Slovakia. Kövešová (@kristinakovesova) is investigative journalist, TV Markiza editor, as also moderator of the podcast Profil zločinu and talk show host Profil zločinu. Known for her in-depth investigations, Kövešová had been tracking the activities of individuals involved in violent incidents that had recently for weeks terrorized the area, particularly targeting women and the elderly. This group attacked her during filming, inflicting serious injuries including a broken nose, concussion, and spinal trauma, which led to her hospitalization.

TV Markíza swiftly condemned the attack on their journalist, declaring that they “categorically oppose any form of violence against journalists” and committed to cooperating with police, who were present at the scene during the attack. The network also announced that they would air Kövešová’s full investigation in the days to come.

From her hospital room, Kövešová recounted the troubling escalation of brutal attacks in Trnava, which have left many residents in fear for their lives. She noted that she and her team had been investigating these incidents for weeks, highlighting the community’s widespread concern for safety. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Kövešová expressed her commitment to continue her work once her health permits, resolute in her stance against intimidation and determined not to be silenced.

You can read TV Markíza article here: https://www.markiza.sk/soubiz/clanok/933282-kristinu-koevesovu-fyzicky-napadli-pri-nakrucani-reportaze?__cf_chl_tk=7tU8quTEMj6sInwYnQSe7mX2ZcxXvWlO9vfEawhr78o-1730360564-1.0.1.1-ET_xayyIrC7Ykb4Kpnk95_NJpWtpsTzeOPH7CU1gs5M

Following the incident, Slovak authorities acted quickly, detaining man in connection with the attack. The Ministry of Interior confirmed the charge, though further details are yet to be disclosed.

The incident highlights the growing hostility toward journalists in Slovakia, where reporters covering sensitive topics are increasingly at risk.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the violent assault on journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava, Slovakia, on 30 October 2024. For SEEMO is alarming that the police were present at the time of the incident. SEEMO welcomes the fact that after the attack one person was detained by the police on the spot. Targeting a journalist for fulfilling their duty to report on matters of public concern is an unacceptable attack on press freedom. SEEMO calls on Slovak authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, hold the perpetrators accountable, and take concrete measures to protect journalists from violence and intimidation. SEEMO will be closely monitoring the progress of this case to ensure justice and uphold the safety and rights of journalists in Slovakia.

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 #slovakia #trnava #tvmarkiza #KristínaKövešová #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 27 October 2024 during Bulgaria’s parliamentary elections, investigative journalist Diyana (also written in English Diana or Dijana) Zhelyazkova (also written in English Jeliazkova) (Дияна Желязкова) from online media For the Truth (За Истината – https://zaistinata.com/), who is also reporting for other media in Bulgaria, was allegedly threatened by one politician, while covering possible voting irregularities in the village of Vulnari (Вълнари), Bulgaria. Zhelyazkova was investigating a complaint filed with the Shumen (Шумен), Bulgaria, Regional Election Commission regarding a breach of voting secrecy, as this individual was accused of monitoring the voting process at the polling station by allegedly removing the privacy curtain, leaving the voting area fully exposed. The commission, along with its secretary, was already on-site when the incident occurred.

Zhelyazkova questioned a police officer on why this politician was allowed to enter the voting area, to which the officer replied that intervention would require direct instruction from the head of the election commission for that section. During her coverage, this individual reportedly returned, allegedly pointed his finger at her, and repeated, “You must be very careful!” In response to this threat, Zhelyazkova filed a complaint with the police in Nikola Kozlevo (Никола Козлево), Bulgaria. In August this year she became object of aggression by a security guard while covering a meeting of the Municipal Council in Venets Municipality.

According to Association of European Journalists-Bulgaria (Асоциация наевропейскитежурналисти – България – AEJ Bulgaria – https://aej-bulgaria.org/en/), the campaign season was marked by heightened hostility and pressure against the media. AEJ documented four incidents on election day where journalists were either threatened or assaulted. Three of these incidents were allegedly perpetrated by members of the new political alliance, led by a controversial figure. In another case, threats came from an individual presenting as a representative of another political party and aindividual linked to the coalition.

You can read AEJ article here: https://aej-bulgaria.org/en/aej-bulgaria-strongly-condemns-the-violence-and-threats-against-journalists-on-election-day/

One such incident involved a bTV (https://www.btv.bg/) news crew, where cameraman Peter Kartulev (Петър Картулев) was allegedly attacked in Haskovo (Хасково) in Bulgaria. The crew reported no provocation on their part. Two men were detained, and pre-trial proceedings were initiated by the district prosecutor’s office in Haskovo, Bulgaria.

In another case, Zdravka Maslyankova (Здравка Маслянкова), a correspondent for Bulgarian public radio (Българско национално радио – https://bnr.bg/en), reported being verbally abused while covering the election in VelikoTarnovo (ВеликоТърново), Bulgaria. Her alleged aggressor, the son one political party leader, received a warning from the police. Lastly, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (https://about.rferl.org/) Damyana Veleva (Дамяна Велева) faced threats in Dolno Osenovo (Долно Осеново), Bulgaria, allegedly from the one politican, and a man who introduced himself as a political party representative.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) firmly condemns the harassment, threats, and violent actions against journalists reporting on alleged electoral violations during the 27 October 2024 parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. It is unacceptable that journalists, including investigative reporters and TV crews, were subjected to aggression and intimidation by political figures and party affiliates merely for performing their duty to inform the public. SEEMO calls upon Bulgarian authorities and political parties to take immediate action to safeguard journalists’ safety and ensure a free press, crucial for democracy. These attacks not only endanger individual reporters but undermine the integrity of democratic processes in Bulgaria.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regionalnon-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers 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, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation#ngo #journalist #bulgaria #journalistattacked #journalistthreat #DiyanaZhelyazkova #ЗаИстината #BTV#PeterKartulev #ZdravkaMaslyankova #bnr #DamyanaVeleva #rferl#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The recent arrests of Belarusian journalists Ihar Ilyash (Ігар Уладзіміравіч Ільяш), on 22 October 2024 and Daniil Palianski, sometimes in English also written Palyanski (Данііл Палянскі) on 19 September 2024 highlight the persistent crackdown on press freedom under President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko’s (Александр Григорьевич Лукашенко) regime.

Ilyash, born 1988, a journalist and the husband of the since 2020 detained Belsat TV (Белсат – en.belsat.eu) reporter Katsiaryna Andreyeva Bakhvalova (Кацярына Андрэеўна Бахвалава), was taken into custody, with authorities releasing a video of him “confessing” to having provided commentary to Belsat. In the video, Ilyash says that until July 2021, he was an employee of the Belsat TV channel, after that he became a freelance journalist.. Ilyash has previously refused to leave Belarus, vowing to stay as long as his wife remains imprisoned. His photo in handcuffs was published by pro-government Telegram channels. He is not arrested for the first time. in 2020, Ilyash was arrested for 15 days and in July 2021, he was again detained for 15 days.

Palianski, a freelancer, was detained under suspicion of “state treason” shortly after returning from a family visit to Russia. He was allegedly stopped by Russian security forces in the beginning of September this year in a car and charged with an administrative infraction for disobedience. He allegedly refused to present his personal ID card. Palianski was subsequently detained by Belarusian authorities upon his arrival in Brest (Брэст), Belarus, his hometown. Details of Palianski’s case remain vague, though his former work with independent and state-owned media outlets likely made him a target. In 2020 he was arrested for one day and convicted by the court for the violation of procedure on mass gatherings. The court fined him in 2020 with 810 BYN (295 EUR), and released him from the jail.

This ongoing repression of independent media has intensified since the 2020-2021 protests, with independent outlets in Belarus forced into exile and labeled as “extremist” organizations. Both Ilyash and Andreyeva worked with Belsat TV, which was branded “extremist” in 2021. They also co-authored Belarusian Donbas (Белорусский Донбасс), a book documenting Belarusians involved on both sides of the Ukraine conflict, which was banned in Belarus and deemed “extremist material” by authorities. Ilyash’s outspoken stance, particularly in relation to Belarus’s involvement in Ukraine, made him a prominent target for government repression.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent arrests of Belarusian journalists Ihar Ilyash and Daniil Palianski as blatant attempts by Belarusian authorities to intimidate and silence independent media voices. These detentions, alongside the forced “confession” from Ilyash, are part of a sustained campaign of harassment targeting journalists and media workers, especially those critical of Belarus’s government or reporting on sensitive topics like the war in Ukraine. SEEMO calls for the immediate release of Ilyash, Palianski, and all media professionals imprisoned for their work, urging the Belarusian government to end its assault on press freedom and allow journalists to operate without fear of repression.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives andleading journalists in Southeast, South,East and Central Europe. SEEMOmembers 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, NorthMacedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine andUzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and SanMarino have a special statusin SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members,and additional mediaas corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation#ngo #journalist #belarus#belsat#DaniilPalianski#IharIlyash#KatsiarynaAndreyevaBakhvalova#journalistarrest#SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

The recent arrest of Ilir Meta on 21 October 2024 Albania’s former president and current leader of the Freedom Party of Albania (Partia e Lirisë –https://partiaelirise.al/), has sparked significant division within Albania’s political and media spheres. Meta’s detention, ordered by prosecutors from the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (Struktura e Posaçme Kundër Korrupsionit- SPAK), has ignited heated debates across political lines, with supporters of SPAK viewing the arrest as a vital action against high-level corruption, while Meta’s allies argue it is a politically motivated maneuver by the ruling government to suppress dissent.

Following Meta’s detention, one party member addressed the media on 22 October 2024 alleging that Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Albania (BIRN – https://birn.eu.com/network/birn-albania/), has published biased reports orchestrated by Meta’s political rivals. In a separate press event on 23 October ABC News (https://abcnews.go.com/) correspondent Klodiana Lala was insinuating that the journalist’s questions were influenced by the network’s ownership, and suggesting that media outlets are not immune to political pressure.

Media figures and public commentators find themselves caught in the crossfire, as social media platforms amplify divisive rhetoric, creating echo chambers that reinforce polarized viewpoints and limit constructive dialogue.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the escalating hostility and intimidation directed at journalists in Albania, as seen in recent incidents following the arrest of former President Ilir Meta. These actions, including public accusations against journalists and media outlets, undermine press freedom and create an environment of fear that stifles independent reporting. SEEMO reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding journalistic integrity and will closely monitor the situation, urging all parties to respect the role of the media in democratic society.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia,

Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and

Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation #ngo #journalist #albania #abcnews #BIRN #KlodianaLala #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

According to information from Kosovo, the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Pristina (Prishtinë), Kosovo, launched an investigation on 23 October 2024 into journalists Vehbi Kajtazi (@vehbikajtazi) who is Editor-in-Chief of Paparaci (https://paparaci.com/) online medium and Lirim Mehmetaj (@LirimMehmetaj) Editor-in-Chief of Albanian Post (https://albanianpost.com/) portal.

This investigation, allegedly linked to the disclosure of the identities of Kosovo Intelligence Agency (AgjenciaKosovare e Inteligjencës– AKI – KIA) officials, has sparked strong reactions across the media and political landscape.

The Pristina Prosecutor’s Office has stated that information relevant to the case is under review, although additional details remain undisclosed. The Chief Prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution in Pristina, Zejnullah Gashi, denied, according to Telegrafi (https://telegrafi.com/), that they are conducting investigations against the journalists, Vehbi Kajtazi and Lirim Mehemtaj, but confirmed that they are examining information which, according to him, “has come to them or is circulating in the media”. Journalists Vehbi Kajtazi and Lirim Mehmetaj are under the scrutiny of the Basic Prosecutor’s Office of Pristina, but they have not officially started investigations against them.

For TV Dukagjini, this information was confirmed by the Chief Prosecutor, Zejnullah Gashi, who stated that they are in the stage of examining the information.

Kajtazi alleged that he and other journalists, including Berat Buzhala and Ilir Mirena, have been subjected to illegal surveillance by AKI. Kajtazi explained that the AKI allegedly initiated the case through a report sent to Acting Chief State Prosecutor, who subsequently forwarded the complaint to the Pristina Prosecutor’s Office.

Kosovo Journalists Association (AsociacioniiGazetarëvetëKosovësAGK – AJK – https://agk-ks.org/en/) expressed deep concern over the investigation, questioning its legitimacy and seeking assurances that political motives are not behind it. AGK urged the prosecutor to fully respect freedom of expression and media rights throughout the process. In its statement, AGK announced it would continue monitoring developments closely and reiterated the need to uphold democratic principles and the rights of journalists.

The case has drawn additional criticism, notably from opposition voices who condemned the investigation as a threat to democracy, describing it as a sign of rising totalitarianism. According to the critics, the use of intelligence services to target journalists represents a severe escalation, adding that it reflects an alarming fusion of propaganda and policing, aimed at suppressing dissent.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent investigation targeting journalists Vehbi Kajtazi and Lirim Mehmetaj, which raises serious concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalistic rights. Such actions against journalists threaten democratic principles and the independence of media, essential for the public’s right to know. SEEMO calls on the Kosovo authorities to respect press freedoms and ensure transparency throughout the process. SEEMO will closely monitor developments and continue to advocate for the rights and safety of journalists across the region. The KIA should account for information leaks and not hold journalists accountable.

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 #kosovo #paparaci #albanianpost #VehbiKajtazi #LirimMehmetaj #SEEMO#pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Mayor of Belgrade, Serbia, Aleksandar Šapić, also a senior official of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (Sprska Napredna Stranka), held a press conference on 24 October 2024 where he again targeted journalists from N1 (https://n1info.rs/) television, this time specifically focusing on N1 reporter Miodrag Sovilj. During the press conference, Šapić presented a board displaying statistics on Sovilj’s coverage, expressing his displeasure that N1’s reporting allegedly excluded key parts of his statements, instead featuring only selective segments.

Šapić proceeded to scrutinize Sovilj’s reporting, asserting that his own statements were misrepresented and taken out of context, insisting that the public be made aware of alleged manipulation. When N1 reporter Mladen Savatović attempted to explain the journalistic process, Šapić responded by stating that he would demonstrate how media works, continuing his criticism of journalists who report critically on his administration. In response, some reporters opted to leave the conference, unwilling to remain amid Šapić’s continued remarks.

The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NezavisnoUdruženje Srbije Novinara Srbije – https://nuns.rs/) and Journalists Association of Serbia (Udruženje Novinara Srbije – https://www.uns.org.rs/) had strongly condemned Šapić’s approach to the press, stating that he has a pattern of publicly targeting independent journalists. Rather than addressing journalistic inquiries, the mayor has repeatedly opted to criticize and demean reporters. This behavior, the associations warned, undermines democratic principles and could incite hostility toward the media.

There have also been anti-N1 graffiti seen around Belgrade, Serbia, which many believe may be inspired by statements made by Šapić during these public appearances.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the actions of Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, who used his position to target and insult journalists, specifically those from the critical TV N1, during a public press conference. Šapić, instead to be open for all media,has been using public space for verbal attacks on critical journalists. Such attacks on journalists who are fulfilling their duty to inform the public are unacceptable in any democratic society. SEEMO urges political leaders to engage respectfully with the press and recognize the vital role that journalists play in upholding transparency and accountability. SEEMO will closely monitor this situation and continue advocating for the protection and respect of journalists’ rights.

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 #n1 #miodragsovilj #journalistattacked #SEEMO#pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

In the night from 23 to 24 October 2024 an arson attack targeted the car of Blagoj Sersemov (Благој Серсемов), the editor-in-chief and director of MNet (https://mnet.mk/). MNET is television and online media outlet in Štip (Штип), North Macedonia. Unknown individuals set fire to his car while it was parked in the courtyard of his family house. This deliberate act not only destroyed property but posed a serious threat to the safety of Sersemov’s family and neighbors.

A photo of his car after the attack is onlilne visible:

https://mnet.mk/%d0%bd%d0%b5%d0%bc%d0%b0-%d0%bc%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%bd%d0%b0%d0%bf%d0%b0%d0%b4-%d0%b2%d1%80%d0%b7-%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b2%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b0%d1%80%d0%b8%d1%82%d0%b5-%d0%b7/

In reaction to the incident, Sersemov expressed deep concern and said that this isn’t just an attack on him personally, but on all media. And that his family safety has been seriously jeopardized.

This attack comes at a time when Sersemov is also facing a series of baseless defamation lawsuits. Legal proceedings are ongoing at the Basic Court in Štip, North Macedonia: He has a support of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (Здружение на новинари на Македонија – AJM – https://znm.org.mk/en/), which is representing him in these cases.

Such threats and attacks against journalists are unacceptable in any democratic society that values press freedom. This incident, which appears to be a targeted act of intimidation, aims not only to damage property but to silence the media and create a climate of fear among journalists in North Macedonia.

Authorities in North Macedonia have been urged to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Incidents like these cannot go unpunished, and the response to them must send a clear message that press freedom will be defended and upheld.

Following the public outcry, the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Štip has initiated a formal investigation into the case. Orders have been given to conduct expert examinations to determine the cause of the fire and identify any potential suspects.

Police and firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, managing to extinguish the fire without any injuries reported.

The attack on Sersemov has drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, with calls for greater protection of journalists. Every attack on a journalist is an attack on the public’s right to information, as well as on democratic values and the rights of citizens.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent attack on the property of a journalist in North Macedonia, which threatens both media freedom and the safety of journalists and their families. Such acts of intimidation have no place in a democratic society. SEEMO urges the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. SEEMO will continue to closely monitor the developments of this case and support efforts to ensure the protection of journalists in 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 #northmacedonia #BlagojSersemov #M-Net #journalistattacked #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia