04.11.2024 – Journalist Attacked During Filming in Trnava, Slovakia

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

Ljubomir Stefanović, the editor-in-chief of the YouTube channel “Slavija Info,” (https://www.youtube.com/@SLAVIJAINFO) claims that on 11 October 2024 he was allegedly kidnapped by members of the Serbian Security Intelligence Agency (Bezbednosno Informativna Agencija – BIA). That morning, nothing seemed out of the ordinary as he was heading to his studio for scheduled interviews. On his way, he noticed vehicles and individuals he believed were allegedly BIA agents. He claimed to have been under surveillance by the agency for years.

On Milovan Šaranović Street in Belgrade, Serbia, a car blocked his way, and several men exited a van. One of them allegedly identified himself as a BIA officer and asked Stefanović to leave his vehicle. Without resistance, Stefanović entered the van, while another agent took the wheel of his car. Without explaining where they were going, they drove him to the Voždovac police station in Belgrade, Serbia. During the ride, Stefanović feared for his life, thinking he might be killed, as he was aware of the tactics used by criminals in Serbia, who kidnapped people with fake police credentials. However, he felt some relief when he realized that this were real state officials and they were taking him to the station.

Allegedly, at the station, his phone and keys were confiscated, and he was placed in an office where other agents were waiting. When he asked why he was brought in, they told him he wasn’t under arrest but refused to let him contact a lawyer. The situation felt more like intimidation than a formal interrogation.

The BIA agents allegedly threatened him with a five-year prison sentence for insulting President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić in his shows. Stefanović replied that they were free to file a criminal complaint but demanded that they precisely state where and when he had made these remarks. When the agents saw that he wasn’t intimidated by their threats, they allegedly began attacking him emotionally, telling him to think about his son. Stefanović admitted that this angered him, but he didn’t cave in.

According to Stefanović situation worsened when the agents allegedly threatened to fabricate a scandal involving a transvestite and spread it in the media. Stefanović told them they were free to bring anyone they wanted. After that, they told him he was free to go but warned him not to talk about what had happened. Stefanović refused to stay silent and announced he would speak out about everything.

Upon leaving the station, he wasn’t given any document or evidence that he had been detained, and no official statements were taken. According to him, the entire incident felt like a violation of the law. Stefanović claimed he had allegedly been under surveillance for five years, including being followed, wiretapped, and searched at borders. He stated that he had been detained for over 200 hours at borders, often with his child.

If Stefanović’s account is accurate, this incident could represent a serious breach of the law, raising many questions about BIA’s practices and how they treat government critics.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will be closely monitoring the ongoing case. SEEMO is committed to ensuring that the rights of journalists are upheld and that any threats to their safety and freedom of expression are addressed.

SEEMO is asking the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the state Intelligent Service BIA to inform urgently the public about this case. Additional, the Parliament of Serbia must start an urgent parliamentarian investigation of this case. It is important to have transparent and clear information from state institutions in Serbia connected to the claims made by Stefanović.

SEEMO reminds that in the last period there were several cases of mistreatment of foreigners at the border crossings entering Serbia by representatives of the police / BIA, after which the Serbian president Vucic condemned this practice of the Serbian police. Additionally, we remind you of the case of the Belgian journalist Philippe Bertinchamps, a correspondent for various French-language media, who after ten years of residence in Serbia, the Security and Information Agency (BIA) allegedly tried to deport in 2018, declaring him, without clear reasoning, a threat to the security and only after an international reaction, including from SEEMO, the Serbian police hand him a decision approving his visa. SEEMO reminds of several well known cases of pressure on journalists in Serbia by the intelligence services since 1990, including the case of Dušan Reljić, who in 1993, as the editor of the foreign policy section of the Vreme magazine, was kidnapped in front of his apartment by three men who later introduced themselves as members of the counterintelligence service. Reljić was questioned for 38 hours about his conversations with foreign journalists, diplomats and scientists. In the past years several journalists in Serbia claimed that their lives were made difficult by the Serbian intelligent service, whether they were being followed or contacted directly.

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 #ljubomirstefanovic #slavijainfo #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Czech journalist Kristina (born Janderová) Ciroková (@cirokova_k) has recently faced an investigation by Slovak authorities after reporting on an Ukrainian cult that is allegedly spreading pro-Russian propaganda. The investigation began following her 19 December 2023 publication on Seznam Zprávy (https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/), which revealed the whereabouts of one leader of the cult, who had fled Ukraine.

Ciroková has been accused by the local Slovak prosecutor’s office in Žilina, Slovakia, of promoting an “anti-cult movement” that allegedly violates fundamental rights. Despite these vague and unsubstantiated allegations, she refused to provide additional information about her work, citing concerns for journalistic freedom. Ciroková’s investigation into the cult began in March 2023, and her work has drawn international attention, especially after interviewing a representative of this cult, who denied the charges against him and the cult.

One prosecutor, although not officially assigned to the case, has been involved in Ciroková’s interrogation and allegedly has been linked to events organized by this sect, raising concerns about her impartiality. This prosecutor has since resigned from her position as head of the organized crime division after media exposure of her alleged ties to the sect. The Slovak prosecutor’s office has faced widespread condemnation from both Czech, Slovak and international press organizations, including the Czech Syndicate of Journalists (Syndikát novinářů České republiky – https://www.syndikat-novinaru.cz/), which warned that these actions are part of a broader trend of press suppression in Slovakia.

The cult harassment extended to other journalists, including Slovak reporter Karolína Kiripolská, who was also interrogated in connection with her coverage of the cult’s suspicious activities. Karolina is currently working for the Investigative Center of Jan Kuciak (Investigatívne centrum Jána Kuciaka – https://www.icjk.sk/) and fact-checking for the US-based Lead Stories (https://leadstories.com/).

Ciroková, born 1978, is a reporter working from 2014-2020 in the Czech television program 168 hodin, broadcasted on Czech Television (ČT), the public TV operating nationwide in the Czech Republic. In the past she also worked as a dramaturg of the discussion program Partie on Prima television, previously as a reporter for MF DNES. Since 2020, she has been working in the editorial office of the Internet news Seznam Zprávy. She is author of the show Terrain and the podcast series Sects CZ.

The prosecutor of the Department of Serious Criminal Activities of the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Slovak Republic stopped on 18 October 2024 the prosecution of Seznam Zpráv reporter Kristina Ciroková and other persons. According to him, the act is not a crime.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), condemns the investigation and intimidation of Czech journalist Kristina Ciroková by the Žilina Regional Prosecutor’s Office. The prosecution’s actions targeting Ciroková for her investigative reporting represented a grave violation of press freedom and a clear attempt to silence critical journalism. SEEMO welcomes the decision by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Slovak Republic to stop the prosecution of Kristina Ciroková and other persons.

Such persecution of journalists undermines democratic values and the right to freedom of expression.

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 #CzechRepublic #KristinaCiroková #SeznamZpráv #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

On 18 October 2024 a court in Astana (Астана), Kazakhstan (Казахстан), sentenced Kazakh journalist Daniyar Adilbekov (Данияр Әділбеков), the author of the “Wild Horde” (Дикая орда) telegram channel (https://t.me/qara_orda), to four and a half years in prison, accusing him of spreading false information through a post on telegram platform. The judge found Adilbekov guilty under the articles “Knowingly false denunciation” (Part 3 of Article 419) and “Dissemination of knowingly false information ” (Part 2 of Article 274) of the Penal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Adilbekov’s post reportedly implicated an official in corruption. His co-defendant Erlan Saudegerov (Ерлан Саудегеров), received a suspended three-year sentence and probation on related charges. Both defendants denied the allegations, citing procedural violations and insufficient evidence.

You can read more on the channel: https://t.me/qara_orda

Adilbekov’s arrest in March this year and subsequent trial were prompted by a Telegram post linking one state official to allegedly corrupt practices. Adilbekov also faced accusations of distributing false information regarding key figures in Kazakhstan. Despite the court’s ruling, Adilbekov and Saudegerov’s defense highlighted serious legal concerns and a lack of concrete evidence to support the charges.

In addition to his legal challenges, Adilbekov reported being tortured, claiming that officials threatened him with charges against his family if he did not comply. These allegations were later denied by the authorities. The imprisonment of Adilbekov, alongside other journalists in Kazakhstan, has raised widespread concerns about press freedom in the country. In May 2024, over a dozen journalists appealed to President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev (Қасым-Жомарт Тоқаев) for a fair investigation and the release of Adilbekov.

This sentencing has deepened worries about the treatment of journalists in Kazakhstan, with many calling for reforms to protect media independence and ensure transparency in such cases.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the sentencing of Kazakh journalist Daniyar Adilbekov to 4.5 years in prison on questionable charges of disseminating false information. Such actions undermine press freedom and violate fundamental human rights, especially given reports of procedural violations and allegations of torture. SEEMO calls on Kazakh authorities to review the case transparently, ensure fair legal proceedings, and protect journalists from persecution. SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the safety and freedom of all journalists in Kazakhstan.

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 #kazakhstan #DaniyarAdilbekov #WildHorde #journalistinjail #journalistarrested #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia