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Mijatović: Media regulation should be adopted as soon as possible, RTCG to respect court decisions

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TUMM
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Photo: https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/the-commissioner

PODGORICA, 22.03.2024. – Montenegro should use the opportunities offered by European integration to improve the legal framework that regulates human rights and ensure its full implementation, said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović after she visited Montenegro from March 18 to 21, 2024.

The statement of the Council of Europe states that during the visit, Mijatović received information about the worrying increase in hate speech, especially on the Internet, which exacerbates divisions on ethnic, religious and political grounds and has a particularly negative effect on certain social groups, especially Roma, LGBTI persons and women in public positions.

“Sexist and misogynist hate speech against female politicians, journalists, and human rights activists undermines gender equality. Accordingly, the authorities should show zero tolerance and take measures to prevent and combat this phenomenon,” said Mijatović. Emphasizing the important role of Montenegrin women in society, she called on the authorities to ensure greater political participation of women.

Mijatović specifically called for the rapid adoption of a set of media laws, the Law on Legal Gender Recognition based on Self-Determination… During the meetings with Montenegrin officials, Mijatović also warned about the long-term polarization in the media sector, the unregulated online media environment that enables the spread of disinformation, the lack of effective media self-regulation, insufficient media literacy…

“The non-implementation of the decisions of the domestic courts on the appointment of the director of the Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG) raises questions regarding respect for the rule of law, which is an issue that also needs to be resolved urgently,” the announcement emphasizes.

When it comes to freedom of expression and the media, the commissioner assessed that it is encouraging that there has been a decrease in cases of physical violence against journalists recently. She, however, emphasized the importance of all cases of violence and intimidation of journalists, especially the murder of the editor-in-chief of “Dan” Duško Jovanović, to be effectively investigated and the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

“The Commissioner is concerned about the reported increasing use of strategic lawsuits against media and journalists (SLAPP). The authorities should take concrete measures to prevent unpleasant complaints against journalists, human rights defenders, writers and activists, relying on SE standards and other relevant standards, as they have a deeply chilling effect. I welcome the recent call by the Minister of Culture and Media to all Montenegrin officials to create an environment for the free and independent work of all media and journalists,” Mijatović said.

She emphasizes that she received information about the intimidation of academics, writers and activists, such as Boban Batrićević and Andrej Nikolaidis.

“I repeat that in a free and democratic society, it is imperative to fully respect the freedom of expression of all actors of civil society,” she stressed.

Mijatović called on the authorities to cooperate with civil sector organizations. During her visit to Montenegro, the Commissioner met with President Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, Minister of Foreign Affairs Filip Ivanović, Minister of Justice Andrej Milović, Minister of Human and Minority Rights Fatmir Gjeka, Protector of Human Rights Siniša Bjeković and representatives of the non-governmental sector and the media.

MFRR Monitoring Report 2023 – 1,117 media freedom alerts in the past year

By
IJAS
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Credits: MFRR

The partners from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)  publish the latest edition of its Monitoring Report which documents press freedom violations from January to December 2023.

The latest Monitoring Report – produced by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) as part of the MFRR – gathers and analyses all media freedom violations recorded on Mapping Media Freedom throughout the year 2023.

 

War in Ukraine

The 2023 report opens with a thematic chapter on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its repercussions for press freedom. The MFRR recorded a total of 149 alerts throughout 2023 affecting 220 different media entities.

 

DDoS Attacks

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks became prominent in Hungary and other countries in Europe. Unfortunately, the number of such cases doubled compared to the previous year, with 61 alerts targeting 112 persons or entities related to the media.

 

Incidents by public authorities/politicians

A third thematic chapter was dedicated to populist attacks on media freedom in Europe, ranging from verbal harassment and censorship, to legal attacks and ‘foreign agent’ laws.

 

Abusive lawsuits and SLAPPs

A final thematic chapter focuses on civil and criminal lawsuits against journalists and media outlets. In 2023, 20 legal cases containing hallmarks of SLAPPs were recorded by MFRR partners.

The report also includes country reports offering a summary of the most relevant threats in the following EU countries: France, the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Finland, and Slovakia; and in the following candidate countries: Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Turkey.

 

Key Figures

  • 1,117 media freedom violations were recorded in EU Member States and candidate countries, involving 1,620 individuals or media outlets.
  • 602 alerts were recorded in the EU, while 515 were registered in candidate countries.
  • In the EU, the main source of attacks remained private individuals (almost 33% of cases), worryingly followed by public officials (17.9%) and police and state security (12.6%).
  • 3 media workers were murdered – two in Ukraine and one in Albania.
  • 149 media freedom violations were recorded in Ukraine, a slight increase on last year’s 147 alerts. The MFRR started monitoring Ukraine immediately after the full-scale invasion in 2022.
  • 20.6% of all incidents in the EU involved some kind of physical attack. A considerable number of incidents included cases involving attacks to property (17.4%) and censorship (15.9%).
  • Within Member States of the EU, verbal attacks (35.9%) represented the largest amount of alerts, followed by legal incidents (24.9%) and physical attacks, accounting for 20.6% of the total incidents. In EU candidate countries, legal incidents were at the forefront of alerts (29.7%), followed by verbal attacks such as harassment second with 27.2%.

Source: EFJ

Webinar on the topic of the safety of journalists in Serbia

By
IJAS
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Photo: Pixabay.com

The first webinar on the fight against impunity for crimes against journalists in Serbia was held yesterday, organized by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) and the Association of Journalists of Serbia (UNS). The webinar was attended by journalists from Serbia, as well as representatives of domestic and international journalistic associations.

At the beginning of the webinar, Ivana Stevanović, executive director of the “Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation”, spoke about the final verdict for the murder of journalist Slavko Ćuruvija.

Veran Matić introduced the representatives of international organizations with the work of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists. He also spoke about the current situation when it comes to the safety of journalists in Serbia. He mentioned recent cases in which journalists Verica Marinčić, Ksenija Pavkov and Ana Lalić were attacked.

The webinar was also attended by Ana Lalić, against whom an orchestrated campaign has been conducted for the last ten days. She spoke about the threats and pressures she faces. She said she doesn’t feel safe and is considering moving to another state with her family.

The situation regarding the safety of journalists in Serbia has escalated so much that announcements and open letters to domestic and international institutions are not enough, concrete action is needed, the webinar participants concluded.

They agreed that it is necessary to exert concrete international pressure on the authorities and institutions in Serbia in order to ensure a safer environment for the work of journalists.

The President of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Maja Sever, participated and voiced her support for journalists in Serbia.

 

BH JOURNALISTS: Public protest to the mayor of Srebrenica

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BHJA
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Sarajevo, March 19, 2024 – Board of Directors of the BH Journalists Association (BHJA) and the Helpline for Journalists send a public protest to the head of Srebrenica, Mladen Grujičić, due to the vulgar curses and threats he sent to the retired journalist Marinko Sekulić.

Chief Grujičić called the journalist Sekulić on the phone on Sunday evening and on that occasion cursed his mother, threatening to “remember” him, and for several hours continued to harass the journalist by sending him inappropriate messages and primitive insults. Sekulić assumes that the mayor of Srebrenica reacted with curses and threats after this journalist shared an article on Facebook from one of the portals in which Grujičić and his family life are mentioned. Considering the seriousness of the threats, Sekulić immediately informed the police and asked for protection.

Board of Directors of the BHJA strongly condemns the threats and considers them a gross threat to Marinko Sekulić’s safety and an attack on his professional and human integrity. It is particularly worrisome that Grujučić holds a public office in the Municipality of Srebrenica, paid with public money, and that through unprovoked, verbal violence towards Sekulić, he can influence the behavior of his followers towards this journalist who lives in Srebrenica with his family.

The Steering Committee of BHJA calls on the Srebrenica police to urgently investigate this case, call the chief Mladen Grujičić for questioning and take legal measures to sanction his violent behavior. At the same time, the legal team of the Helpline for Journalists (FMHL) will provide colleague Sekulić with adequate legal assistance so that this case can be adequately processed before judicial institutions and conducted in accordance with international standards for the protection of the rights and safety of journalists.

Board of Directors of the Association/BH Journalists Association

The first module of the Academy on Dealing with the Past (DwP) Journalism and Conflict Sensitive Reporting was held

By
AJK
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Before starting off the module, journalism students and journalists were addressed by Xhemajl Rexha, the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, and Vjollca Islami Hajrullahu, Project Manager at Forum Civil Peace Service – Kosovo.

Rexha highlighted the importance of this Academy for young journalists and thanked forumZFD for the opportunity given to students and journalists to learn the best practices regarding reporting on these topics.

Islami Hajrullahu emphasized that the ForumZFD Program in Kosovo has worked intensively for more than 5 years with the media, journalists, and students to improve the professionalism of reporting in dealing with the past and conflict-sensitive reporting. “As the media is the primary source of information for most of us, it is crucial that journalists and media avoid fake news, external and internal influences that may lead to an increase in tensions which lead to conflict. Therefore, forumZFD highly values the cooperation with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo – AJK and the realization of the “Academy on Dealing with the Past (DwP) Journalism and Conflict Sensitive Reporting” she said.

Journalism students and journalists participating in the first module of the Academy were lectured on Introduction to Peace Journalism on Saturday.

This module of the Academy was lectured by Abit Hoxha, Professor at the University of Agder in Norway. During this module, he lectured and discussed the importance of reporting on Dealing with the Past (DwP) Journalism and Conflict Sensitive Reporting. Among other things, perspectives and ethical frameworks necessary for reporting on conflicts and social issues were discussed. It was also discussed how journalists can contribute to a more informed, empathic, and peace-oriented public discourse.

Furthermore, journalists, together with Professor Hoxha, had the opportunity to analyze local and international media content in reporting on these topics related to the past.

The Academy on Dealing with the Past (DwP) Journalism and Conflict Sensitive Reporting will continue with three more modules in the following months.

Threats to the safety of journalists in Serbia: new report

By
IJAS
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photo: Shutterstock

Institutional pressures are a form of a threat that most journalists in Serbia often and regularly encounter in their work (46.2%), followed by economic pressures or job insecurity (40.2%). 29.9% of journalists often or regularly encounter the problem of targeting and smear campaigns, and 30.5% reported that they regularly or frequently face verbal threats. SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) were experienced frequently or regularly by 17.1% of journalists. In terms of digital violence, 39.2% of journalists have been victims. More than half of the journalists (53.8%) said they had been in a situation where they did not report on a topic or event one or more times because of the reassure, with women reporting higher instances.

The new Report on safety of journalists in Serbia, prepared with the support of the European Union and Council of Europe, aims to foster the development of relevant policies through identification of invisible pressures such as self-censorship, digital forms of violence and factors that lead to these negative occurrences. The research was conducted in co-operation with the Journalists Association of Serbia and the Independent Journalists Association of Serbia, with 130 journalists and media employees participating in the survey.

The Report aims at a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between the safety of journalists, and the circumstances in which they perform their role in the media space of Serbia. In digital age, where freedom of expression remains fundamental, it is crucial to acknowledge that unseen pressures like self-censorship and digital violence exert a profound, yet often underestimated, influence on media freedom. Recognising and confronting these covert forces is vital for preserving the integrity of journalism and defending democratic values.

The Report was developed through the action “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media in Serbia (PROFREX)”, implemented by the Council of Europe’s Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression, which is part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”.

 English language version

 Serbian language version

Source: COE

 

CJA condemns the inappropriate behavior of parliamentary representative Veljko Kajtazi towards journalist Hana Gelb.

By
CJA
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Nikola Šolić, HND

The Croatian Journalists’ Association condemns the inappropriate behavior of parliamentary representative Veljko Kajtazi towards Croatian Radiotelevision journalist Hana Gelb.

During filming on International Women’s Day at the Roma Kali Sara Union, the parliamentary representative addressed colleague Gelb in an inappropriate and elevated tone. This incident marks the culmination of his unacceptable behavior towards colleagues from the “Prizma” show, who strive to constructively report on minorities in Croatia, a situation which Representative Kajtazi has been dissatisfied with for years, hence refusing to provide statements to the said program.

Such behavior is unacceptable for anyone, especially for a parliamentary representative, towards anyone, especially towards a woman, particularly a journalist just doing her job. Therefore, the Croatian Journalists’ Association fully supports colleague Hana Gelb, who professionally and honestly performs her duties.

The Croatian Journalists’ Association also calls on the leadership of Croatian Radiotelevision to condemn the behavior of Representative Kajtazi and protect colleague Hana Gelb.

Gordana Škaljac Narančić, President of the CJA Branch at Croatian Radiotelevision

Hrvoje Zovko, President of the Croatian Journalists’ Association

Report says pro-regime tabloids focus attacks on United Group media outlets

By
IJAS
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0
PHOTO: Pixabay.com

The Slavko Curuvija Foundation said on Wednesday that almost 900 attacks by pro-regime tabloids on media critical of the authorities were reported in 2023, most of them against N1, Nova and Danas.

A Foundation press release said that a total of 884 attacks by pro-regime tabloids had been registered last year and added that, according to Press Council data, most of the violations of the Serbian Journalists’ Code were by the Informer, Alo, Srpski Telegraf (its Republika portal), Vecernje Novosti and Kurir.

Those tabloids published 628 stories targeting media or journalists critical of the authorities 884 times, a Foundation report said.

According to the Foundation report, 80 percent of the attacks were on United Group media outlets – 225 attacks on N1 TV and its portal, 220 on Nova TV and its portal and 178 on Danas daily. Those are followed by 21 attacks on Direktno.rs, 8 on Vreme weekly, 4 each on NIN weekly and the KRIK investigative portal, 3 on the BIRN investigative portal and 2 each on KoSSev and Cenzolovka. Radio Free Europe, AL Jazeera, Pescanik, Insajder TV, the Beta news agency, Autonomija and Ozon press were attacked once each.

The report added that pro-regime tabloids also attacked individual journalists, most often Nova TV News Director Slobodan Georgiev and Danas Editor in Chief Dragoljub Draza Petrovic.

It said that the tabloids used a 4-track strategy: defend Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, demonize and dehumanize journalists, label them as traitors or mercenaries, discredit media. The report said that 31 percent of the tabloid stories were identical or almost identical with each of the tabloids claiming the story as its own which, the Foundation said, could mean they got the ready to publish stories from the same source.

Most of the attacks are by the tabloids themselves but some came from public officials: Ana Brnabic (77), Aleksandar Vucic (37), Goran Vesic (14) and some 20 other ruling coalition officials.

Source: N1

Coalition calls for effective implementation as the Parliament adopts the European Media Freedom Act

By
IJAS
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0
photo: canva

The European Parliament today adopted with an overwhelming majority (464 in favour, 92 against, 65 abstentions) the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).

Media freedom and pluralism along with the rule of law have been in decline in the EU (and beyond) for many years. Where the rule of law is undermined, independent journalism is often the first to suffer. Against this background, our coalition of organisations representing journalists, media freedom and civil society groups, and public service media, congratulate the EU institutions and welcome the EMFA as an important step towards protecting and promoting media freedom and pluralism in the EU.

The EMFA establishes common principles for all Member States so that they can effectively address the threats to a free, independent and vibrant journalism in Europe including, among others, media capture, intrusive surveillance, political interference, declining media pluralism and the unchecked power of social media platforms.

However, we also take this opportunity to remind media stakeholders and public authorities that in certain areas, the EMFA only lays down the very minimum of standards. Member States can, and should, go much further in establishing stronger safeguards to protect media freedom and pluralism and journalists’ rights, in particular from the use of intrusive surveillance and spyware.

We now call on the European Commission, national governments, and independent regulatory authorities to work closely with media stakeholders for the EMFA’s full and effective implementation to help strengthen media freedom and pluralism across the European Union.

To aid this process, some of the undersigned organisations will be preparing, where necessary, assessments and recommendations to help Member States, media and civil society stakeholders with this crucial task.

 

Signed: 

  • ARTICLE 19
  • Civil Liberties Union for Europe (Liberties)
  • International Press Institute (IPI)
  • Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)
  • Media Diversity Institute (MDI)
  • European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • Association of European Journalists (AEJ Belgium)
  • South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO)
  • Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • Society of Journalists, Warsaw
  • OBC Transeuropa (OBCT)
  • Public Media Alliance (PMA)
  • Community Media Forum Europe (CMFE)
  • Independent Journalism Center, Moldova
  • Institute for Regional Media and Information (IRMI, Ukraine)
  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
  • Eurocadres
  • Transparency International EU (TI EU)
  • Committee to Protect Journalists
  • European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

 

Source: EFJ

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Regional Platform for advocating media freedom and journalists’ safety is a network of journalist associations and media trade unions in Western Balkans countries established in January 2016 with the financial assistance of the European Union and within the EU Support to Regional Thematic Networks of Civil Society Organisations Program

Contact us: safejournalists@gmail.com

This project is funded by
the European Union

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