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Russia’s Legislative Minefield: Tripwires for Civil Society since 2020
“The Russian government’s dismantling of civic freedoms since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 is a dramatic escalation of its sustained assault on fundamental rights spanning more than a decade” – HRW
Human Rights Watch — 8 August 2024 -
The European Union’s AI Act and its Implications for Palestinian Digital Rights
7amleh reveals how the EU legislation contains significant loopholes that could exacerbate human rights violations against Palestinians.
7amleh – Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media — 24 July 2024 -
Freedom of expression and the press agenda – January, February, March 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, at least 210 journalists and media workers stood trial in 123 court cases. Nineteen journalists were sentenced in 16 of the 37 cases that concluded during the reporting period, while at least 10 new cases were filed against journalists.
P24 Platform for Independent Journalism — 14 June 2024 -
“I Swear to Fulfill the Duties of Defense Lawyer Honestly and Faithfully”
Politically Motivated Crackdown on Human Rights Lawyers in Belarus
Human Rights Watch — 28 May 2024 -
Palestinian Digital Rights and the Extraterritorial Impact of the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA)
A new study examines discrimination and censorship concerns within the EU, affecting both Palestinians and global advocates for Palestinian human rights.
7amleh – Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media — 10 April 2024 -
Press freedom in Europe: Time to turn the tide
The report raises concerns about the use of spyware, SLAPPs and journalists in exile.
Council of Europe Safety of Journalists Platform — 6 March 2024 -
“I Can’t Do My Job as a Journalist” The Systematic Undermining of Media Freedom in Hungary
The Hungarian government’s interference with media freedom and pluralism, part of its systematic attack on the rule of law, obstructs the work of independent journalists in holding the authorities to account and prevents the public from accessing information.
Human Rights Watch — 13 February 2024 -
Media Capture in Greece: Entanglement of the Fourth Estate
This report examines media capture in Greece through the four indicators of media capture: capture of private media, capture of public media, capture of the system of funding media and capture of media regulators.
International Press Institute — 30 January 2024 -
Toxic Narratives: Silencing Expression in the Western Balkans
PEN International — 29 October 2023 -
Media freedom at a crossroads: Journalism in Poland faces uncertain future ahead of election
MISSION REPORT ON MEDIA CAPTURE AND VEXATIOUS LAWSUITS IN POLAND
Media Freedom Rapid Response — 5 October 2023 -
Murdered, surveilled, and sued: Decisive action needed to protect press freedom in Greece
Joint press freedom mission to Greece concludes with a call on the government to show political courage and take specific measures to improve the climate for independent journalism.
Media Freedom Rapid Response — 1 October 2023 -
Harassment of fact-checking media outlets in Europe
Survey finds that 90% of fact-checking outlets in Europe have been the target of online harassment and smear campaigns.
International Press Institute — 7 June 2023 -
Fragile Progress: The struggle for press freedom in the European Union
The European Union is facing numerous challenges as it seeks new ways to uphold its commitment to press freedom. This special report examines the EU’s response to threats such as murders of journalists, pandemic-related media controls, spyware, and the war in Ukraine.
Committee to Protect Journalists — 27 April 2023 -
War in Europe and the fight for the right to report
The report reveals a continued degradation of press freedom across the continent. Throughout 2022, the Platform documented 289 alerts concerning 37 countries, with journalists being murdered, imprisoned, physically attacked, legally harassed, and subjected to smear campaigns.
EFJ and Partner Organisations of the CoE Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists — 7 March 2023 -
MFRR’s annual overview of media freedom violations in Europe
140 media freedom violations were recorded in Ukraine alone, which amount to 17.2% of the total registered in all analysed countries. The war in Ukraine also accounted for nine of the 10 killings of journalists during the year.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 8 February 2023 -
Mass Media in Belarus” No. 1 (71), 2023 Annual Review 2022
BAJ’s review of 2022 highlights 33 journalists in prison, 17 heavy prison sentences, and nine media outlets classified as “extremist organisations”.
Belarusian Association of Journalists — 22 January 2023 -
Ukrainian Culture Under Attack: Erasure of Ukrainian Culture in Russia’s War Against Ukraine
Widespread destruction of Ukraine’s museums, theaters and libraries, the persecution of writers and artists, and other attacks against Ukrainian heritage expose the breadth of Russia’s attempts to erase the country’s cultural identity as a tactic of war, according to this report by PEN America and PEN Ukraine.
PEN America — 5 December 2022 -
Content moderation and local stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina
With a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and as a contribution to the Social Media 4 Peace project, implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with partner ARTICLE 19, this report explores the local-specific contextual concerns stemming from global, non-transparent, and profit-driven content moderation processes of social media.
ARTICLE 19 — 24 June 2022 -
Content moderation and freedom of expression: Bridging the gap between social media and local civil society
This report presents a summary analysis of research on current practices of content moderation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia ‘harmful content’ such as ‘hate speech ’, and Kenya, with a specific focus on and disinformation.
ARTICLE 19 — 24 June 2022 -
How Ukrainian journalist Maks Levin was executed by Russian forces
Following a visit to Ukraine from 24 May to 3 June to investigate Ukrainian photojournalist Maks Levin’s death, RSF is releasing a report with information and evidence indicating that Levin and his friend and bodyguard were executed by Russian soldiers in a forest near Kyiv on 13 March, possibly after being interrogated and even tortured.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 22 June 2022 -
Controlling the Message: Challenges for independent reporting in Greece
Report of the 1-15 December 2021 joint fact-finding mission. The partner organisations conclude that challenges to the independence of the media and the safety of journalists are systemic in the country. While the problems are not unique, their intensity is highly problematic and sets it apart from most other EU Member States.
Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)/Reporters Without Borders — 29 March 2022 -
Media Freedom in Hungary Ahead of 2022 Election
Ahead of April’s general election, IPI’s new report finds that the Fidesz government has continued to systematically erode media pluralism, muzzle the independent press and manipulate the market to further entrench a pro-government narrative.
International Press Institute — 21 March 2022 -
Mapping media freedom – Monitoring Report 2021
Attacked while covering demonstrations, harassed online for reporting on COVID�19 and measures to fight it, or sued by private companies trying to avoid publication of damaging information. These are just some examples of the threats received by journalists and media workers in Europe in 2021.
Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR)/International Press Institute — 23 February 2022 -
Spain: Ministerial Order Establishing the National Procedure Against Disinformation
In this analysis, ARTICLE 19 reviews the Ministerial Order the Ministerial Order for its compliance with international freedom of expression standards. The Order was approved by the National Security Council of Spain and published on 30 October 2020 by the Minister of the Presidency.
ARTICLE 19 — 15 September 2021 -
Mapping Media Freedom: A four-month snapshot – III
In Hungary, Poland and Turkey, increasing control of ruling parties over state-controlled companies, advertising agencies, media regulators, competition watchdogs and even the courts, has allowed for a steady intensification and diversification of campaigns against critical press.
International Press Institute — 29 July 2021 -
Freedom of Expression and the Press Agenda, May-June 2021
Throughout the reporting period of May-June 2021, the government continued its verbal commitment to reform and introduced a set of legislative changes. But in practice, thanks to repressive government policies combined with discriminatory practices of politicized public institutions and judicial violations, the situation of freedom of expression and the media deteriorated further.
Expression Interrupted / P24 Platform for Independent Journalism — 27 July 2021 -
Press Freedom Deteriorating in Slovenia under Latest Janša Government
The Slovenian government of Prime Minister Janez Janša is overseeing an increasingly systematic effort to undermine critical media, a coalition of press freedom organisations and journalism groups warn in this report.
International Press Institute/Media Freedom Rapid Response — 30 June 2021 -
Cracking Down on Creative Voices: Turkey’s Silencing of Writers, Intellectuals, and Artists Five Years After the Failed Coup,
In the five years since the coup attempt, dozens of writers, artists, and other creatives have been targeted, prosecuted, and jailed by Turkish authorities.
PEN America — 29 June 2021 -
Freedom of Expression and the Press Agenda
As the Expression Interrupted platform, which has been operating as part of the Platform for Independent Journalism (P24) since 2017, we present our first periodic report with the aim of sharing the results of our efforts to track violations of freedom of expression and the press in Turkey with the general public more effectively.
P24 Platform for Independent Journalism (Expression Interrupted) — 26 May 2021 -
Nations in Transit 2021: The Antidemocratic Turn
Attacks on democratic institutions are spreading faster than ever in Europe and Eurasia, and coalescing into a challenge to democracy itself.
Freedom House — 28 April 2021 -
Democracy Declining: Erosion of Media Freedom in Poland
The conclusions outlined in this report reflect the findings of the recent joint press freedom mission to Poland carried out between November and December 2020 by the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR).
International Press Institute — 11 February 2021 -
Enforcing the EU Court of Justice’s judgment on the Hungarian NGO law: 3 key recommendations to the European Commission
Six months ago, the Court of Justice of the EU condemned Hungary for the violation of EU law and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights on grounds of its restrictive legislation on the financing of NGOs. To date, no steps have been taken by Hungary to comply with the judgment.
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union — 18 December 2020 -
Turkey’s Journalists on the Ropes: Joint International Press Freedom Mission to Turkey, October 6-9, 2020
The mission was organised in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sharp rise in targeting of media by regulators, increased physical attacks on journalists and a new restrictive law on social media with the potential to impose further limitations on the remaining spaces for independent reporting and public commentary.
International Press Institute — 1 December 2020 -
Fundamental rights under siege: Exceptional circumstances create dangerous antecedents for the Romanian press
The aim of this report is to present a series of abuses identified by our organisation during the state of emergency during the COVID-19 crisis. We have identified and exposed in this period actions of state actors that have threatened, affected or directly attacked fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of expression, the right to information and, implicitly, media freedom.
Center for Independent Journalism - Romania — 2 September 2020 -
Urgent appeal concerning Internet service disruptions in Belarus in the context of the presidential elections of 9 August 2020
More than 50 human rights groups have written to the UN’s Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and human rights in Belarus over disruptions to the internet that took place during the presidential elections.
ARTICLE 19 — 11 August 2020 -
Media freedom made in Scandinavia: Six examples of best practices
Report on the December 2019 joint fact-finding mission
European Federation of Journalists — 7 May 2020 -
Research on barriers to Hungarian journalism
The purpose of this research is to explore the daily reality of active measures and malpractices taken by the Hungarian public authorities to obstruct independent journalism.
Hungarian Civil liberties Union — 28 April 2020 -
Research on the obstruction of the work of journalists during the coronavirus pandemic in Hungary
- It is the restrictions on information that are most detrimental to independent media that provide daily news.
Hungarian Civil Liberties Union — 28 April 2020 -
From blueprint to footprint: Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism through the European Rule of Law Mechanism
The launch of the European Rule of Law Mechanism in July 2019 marks the renewed opportunity for 1 the European Union (EU) to uphold democracy and overcome the limits of the Article 7 procedure.
International Press Institute — 17 April 2020 -
Conclusions of the joint international press freedom mission to Hungary
Since 2010, the Hungarian government has systematically dismantled media independence, freedom and pluralism, distorted the media market and divided the journalistic community in the country, achieving a degree of media control unprecedented in an EU member state.
International Press Institute (IPI), ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPFM), the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 3 December 2019 -
Taking Control? Internet Censorship and Surveillance in Russia
The present report traces the development from the first bans on content in 2012 to the present day. It shows how critical editorial teams are put under pressure and how the authorities attempt to silence individual journalists and bloggers.
Reporters sans frontières (RSF) — 29 November 2019 -
Turkey’s Journalists in the Dock: The Judicial Silencing of the Fourth Estate
JOINT INTERNATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM MISSION TO TURKEY (SEPTEMBER 11–13, 2019)
International Press Institute — 18 November 2019 -
Justice delayed: The assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Malta’s deteriorating press freedom climate
A full two years on, there has still been no justice for the heinous assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, which has shed light on broader systemic failings with regard to Malta’s press freedom climate, rule of law, and democratic checks and balances.
Reporters Without Borders — 15 October 2019 -
Albania: Preliminary findings of joint freedom of expression mission
The mission sought to gather information about challenges to freedom of expression and press freedom in Albania and bring concerns directly to Albanian government representatives.
International Press Institute — 24 June 2019 -
DEMOCRACY AT RISK: THREATS AND ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA FREEDOM IN EUROPE
Annual Report 2019 by the Partner Organisations to the Council of Europe Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists
ARTICLE 19 — 12 February 2019 -
Justice Monitoring Report: Freedom of expression trials in Turkey
Given the unprecedented number of journalists in prison in Turkey at the moment and the increas- ing number of freedom of expression trials, trial monitoring has become an important activity for Turkish civil society over the past few years.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 28 January 2019 -
«Жесткое подавление свободы слова в России в 2012-2018 гг.»
PEN International — 10 October 2018 -
Russia’s Strident Stifling of Free Speech 2012-2018
Laws passed since Vladimir Putin’s return to the presidency in May 2012 have dramatically strengthened the Russian authorities’ control over the flow of information online and offline. Much of this crackdown has been fuelled by Russia’s foreign policy, in particular its role in the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine and its armed intervention in Syria.
PEN International — 10 October 2018 -
Online attacks on journalists in Poland
In June 2018, IPI visited Poland as part of its Ontheline project, which aims to identify best newsroom practices for preventing and better responding to online harassment of journalists.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 1 October 2018 -
“You Can’t See Them, but They’re Always There” – Censorship and Freedom of the Media in Uzbekistan
A key indicator of whether Uzbekistan’s still-authoritarian government’s reforms are genuine and will be ultimately successful is in the media sphere and the core right of free speech.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 27 March 2018 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Turkey
Wikipedia was permanently blocked over articles on Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian civil war
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Uzbekistan
The government introduced a new online portal allowing citizens to channel public grievances and prompting greater citizen engagement
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: United Kingdom
The WannaCry attack was one of the first major instances of a cyberattack affecting UK public-facing health service infrastructure
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Ukraine
Renowned independent journalist Pavel Sheremet of the Ukrayinska Pravda website was murdered in a car bomb attack in Kyiv, likely in retaliation for his reporting
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Russia
LinkedIn became the first international social media platform to be banned in Russia for failing to comply with data localization requirements
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Kyrgyzstan
A social media user was handed down a one year suspended sentence under Kyrgyzstan’s ant-extremism laws for “liking” posts published by a controversial imam.
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Kazakhstan
Renowned Kazakhstani dissidents were targeted with malware attacks likely initiated by the government
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Italy
Amid growing scrutiny over surveillance software sales to government agencies and repressive regimes, Italy took some steps to limit the export of surveillance technologies to countries with poor human rights records
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Iceland
Iceland continued to encourage the use of ICTs for political and civic purposes.
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Hungary
An antiterrorism law came into effect in July 2016 that requires providers of encrypted services to allow authorities access to client data, raising privacy concerns
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Germany
A new law regulating the conduct of the Federal Intelligence Service has raised concerns for attempting to legalize thus-far illegal surveillance practices that could potentially affect German citizens as well as foreign journalists
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Georgia
New surveillance laws introduced in 2017 have attracted criticism for allowing excessive access to user data
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: France
Concerns about the impact of disinformation and political bot operations heightened in the run-up to the 2017 French presidential election, as leaked communications related to candidate Emmanuel Macron were dumped online and amplified by automated accounts in attempts to destabilize the race right before campaigning closed
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Estonia
Estonia remained a staunch advocate of e-governance. Internet voting experienced minor amendments following the formation of a new government in November 2016
Freedom House — 15 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani human rights defenders were targeted in a spearphishing campaign, in attempts to install malware on their devices and track their online activity
Freedom House — 14 November 2017 -
Freedom on the Net 2017: Armenia
Coordinated, possibly automated accounts spread misinformation about the April 2017 parliamentary election on Twitter, while independent media accounts were briefly suspended
Freedom House — 14 November 2017 -
Online and On All Fronts: Russia’s Assault on Freedom of Expression
Since 2012, the Russian authorities have intensified a crackdown on freedom of expression, selectively casting certain kinds of criticism of the government as threats to state security and public stability and introducing significant restrictions to online expression and invasive surveillance of online activity.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 18 July 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Italy
Watchdogs raised alarm about a controversial cyberbullying bill that was approved by the House of Deputies in October, noting that its broad definitions and stiff penalties could be used to curb the exercise of free speech online.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Moldova
In April, journalists were finally allowed back into the Parliament chamber, having been relegated for most of the previous two years to a press room supplied with a video feed of legislative proceedings.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: United Kingdom
Parliament passed the Investigatory Powers Act, which codified existing, controversial surveillance practices that could compromise journalists’ ability to keep their sources confidential, and discourage investigative journalism.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Sweden
In June [2016], an industry group reported an increase in reported threats against journalists.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Netherlands
A legislative initiative to amend the Intelligence and Security Act caused alarm within the journalistic community, with critics noting that the proposed expansion of the intelligence services’ ability to gather communications data could threaten the protection of journalistic sources.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: France
A new law strengthening core aspects of media freedom was approved by the parliament in October, though a section of it that bolstered journalists’ right to protect their sources was later struck down.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Azerbaijan
The parliament tightened legal restrictions on media freedom, broadening the scope of existing criminal defamation legislation in November and amending martial law in December to expand permissible information controls.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Ukraine
Violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment against media professionals and organizations continued; in the most alarming case of the year, a car bomb killed prominent journalist Pavel Sheremet in July.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Turkey
The government, using enhanced powers under a state of emergency, carried out a massive purge of media outlets accused of links to an attempted military coup in July.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Serbia
Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and allied media outlets, particularly the Informer tabloid, continued a campaign to portray investigative and critical media as foreign-backed propagandists.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Russia
Throughout the year there were reports of attacks, threats, censorship, arrests, and prison sentences against both journalists and ordinary citizens who had posted or shared politically sensitive information online.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Poland
Government offices canceled subscriptions to opposition-friendly media, while state-owned companies redirected advertising money to progovernment outlets.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Hungary
Hungary’s largest independent daily, Népszabadság, which has uncovered a string of scandals involving the ruling party, was unexpectedly suspended in October. Soon afterward, its parent company was sold to a firm linked to an ally of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Freedom of the Press 2017: Belarus
Reporters were able to cover the 2016 parliamentary elections with significantly less interference than during previous elections, which have often featured violent crackdowns by the state.
Freedom House — 27 April 2017 -
Online harassment of journalists in Hungary: Forms, coping mechanisms and consequences for press freedom
This report presents the findings of a three-month study focused on mapping, observing and analysing online harassment of journalists in Hungary. The study aimed to identify the types of harassment journalists are subject to, which journalists are typically harassed, who the harassers are, and how journalists cope with harassment.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 9 March 2017 -
Defamation and Insult Laws in the OSCE Region: A Comparative Study
This study examines the existence of criminal defamation and insult laws in the territory of the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In doing so, it offers a broad, comparative overview of the compliance of OSCE participating States’ legislation with international standards and best practices in the field of defamation law and freedom of expression.
Unknown author — 7 March 2017 -
Civil Defamation and Media Freedom in Hungary: Trends and Challenges in Court Practice in Personality Rights Cases
READ AND DOWNLOADThis study analyses current trends in civil defamation and privacy cases in Hungary involving the media and summarises key challenges for freedom of the press and expression. Written by Hungarian media lawyer Bea Bodrogi, the study examined 250 court decisions related to civil protection of ‘personality rights’, an area in Hungarian law that includes defamation, privacy and personal image.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 2 March 2017 -
FreeEx Report – Annual press freedom in Romania 2015-2016
The purpose of this report is to offer an outline of the main events and trends regarding freedom of speech and, in particular, media freedom.
ActiveWatch – Media Monitoring Agency — 17 January 2017 -
Turkey: State of emergency, state of arbitrary
After already cracking down on freedom of information in recent years, President Erdoğan has taken advantage of the abortive coup d’état and the state of emergency in effect since 20 July to silence many more of his media critics, not only Gülen movement media and journalists but also, to a lesser extent, Kurdish, secularist and left-wing media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 19 September 2016 -
Journalists caught in the middle: Protests turn violent from France to Finland
Violence against journalists in Europe increased in the second quarter of 2016, reports submitted to Index on Censorship’s Mapping Media Freedom platform show, as a government crackdown in Turkey intensified and protests turned violent in countries from France to Finland.
Index on Censorship — 2 August 2016 -
Facing reality after the Euromaidan: The situation of journalists and media in Ukraine
“After the initial optimism during the Euromaidan movement, many journalists have become disillusioned. They are faced with the triple challenge of the war in the Eastern part of the country, the economic crisis and the digitalization of mass media.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 30 June 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Uzbekistan
At least three prominent human rights activists were detained and in two cases physically abused for attempting to photograph or otherwise document the country’s cotton harvest, in which the state compels citizens to engage in forced labor each year.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Tajikistan
The government ordered the temporary blocking of Facebook and other popular social-networking sites in May, apparently to suppress news about a Tajik police commander who had joined the Islamic State militant group in Syria.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Ireland
In June, the government published media merger guidelines to better regulate the effects of mergers on plurality of both ownership and content; the guidelines will only apply to future deals, and will not affect existing concentration.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Hungary
In August, a leaked memo revealed that a public agency had instructed public television workers to avoid showing images of women and children in their coverage of the refugee crisis.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Georgia
The closure of popular political programs on Imedi TV and the public broadcaster signaled the continued involvement of political interests in editorial decisions.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Czech Republic
The German Verlagsgruppe Passau, the last major non-Czech European media group in the country, sold its local publishing house to Penta Investments, which has media holdings in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Bulgaria
Politician and media mogul Delyan Peevski continued to acquire new assets during 2015, and several outlets that were thought to serve his interests participated in smear campaigns against investigative journalists and others who criticized him or the government.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Belarus
The authorities blocked the online journal KYKY.org in June, forcing it to remove articles that contradicted official narratives about World War II.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Armenia
Violence against journalists was particularly egregious in June, during a series of protests over planned increases in electricity prices; police unlawfully obstructed the ability of media professionals to cover the events, used water cannons to disperse protesters and media professionals alike, and damaged cameras and other equipment.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Andorra
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Albania
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Belgium
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Cyprus
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Croatia
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Estonia
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Kazakhstan
The editor and owner of Nakanune.kz, an independent news website, was among 18 people charged with spreading false information during 2015.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Latvia
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Lithuania
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Luxembourg
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Malta
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Monaco
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Netherlands
In December, the House of Representatives began discussing a new bill, part of the government’s antiterrorism initiatives, that would significantly expand the surveillance capabilities and powers of security services.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Portugal
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Romania
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: San Marino
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Slovakia
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Slovenia
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Switzerland
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Turkmenistan
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Ukraine
Several pieces of media legislation were passed, including laws on access to information, protections for journalists who are attacked in the course of their work, and the privatization of publicly owned print media.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Turkey
Authorities prosecuted a number of prominent journalists on terrorism-related charges, including the editor in chief and the Ankara bureau chief of the Cumhuriyet daily, who were arrested in connection with the paper’s coverage of alleged weapons shipments to Syria by Turkish intelligence services.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Russia
At least three internet users received significant prison sentences for posting “extremist” content related to Ukraine on social media.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Moldova
Government agencies and officials made a number of pronounced efforts to obstruct journalistic access to public information.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Macedonia
In February 2015, opposition leader Zoran Zaev alleged that the government of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski oversaw a massive wiretapping operation that targeted more than 100 journalists, along with thousands of other parties.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: France
Government pushed through legislation allowing mass surveillance of personal communications with little judicial oversight, and authorities arrested 54 people for hate speech or for allegedly defending terrorism.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: United Kingdom
The government introduced a draft Investigatory Powers Bill in November. Although the measure included some provisions to protect journalistic materials from state surveillance, their adequacy remained a matter of debate at year’s end.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Sweden
In February, three people linked to the far-right Swedish Resistance Movement were arrested for allegedly planning to attack journalists from the daily Expressen.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Spain
A new public safety law—labeled the “gag law” by critics—took effect in July amid continuing assertions by journalists and media watchdogs that it threatened freedom of expression and association.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Serbia
In June 2015, a trial opened against four former state security officials accused of the 1999 murder of investigative journalist Slavko Ćuruvija.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Poland
The newly elected parliament passed a law on “national media” in December that shifted most authority over public media, including the hiring and firing of journalists, from the regulatory body to the Treasury Ministry. The heads of all public media immediately resigned in protest.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Norway
The Supreme Court ruled that police could not seize the unpublished recordings of a documentary filmmaker, finding that their importance to a terrorism case was insufficient to override the interest of protecting journalists’ sources.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Montenegro
Amid ongoing concerns about media professionalism, a working group backed by the Council of Europe and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) adopted a new code of ethics for journalists in November.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Kyrgyzstan
The independence of the public broadcaster came into question on several occasions, as the outlet aired one-sided reports on the Vecherniy Bishkek dispute and faced allegations of partisan bias in coverage of the October parliamentary elections.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Kosovo
In April 2015, 60 RTK editors and journalists publicly accused Mentor Shala, the broadcaster’s general director, of censorship and mismanagement. RTK’s government-appointed board reelected Shala to another three-year term in October.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Italy
In December, lawmakers adopted a reform of the public broadcaster’s governance structure that was expected to reduce the influence of parliamentary parties.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Iceland
In June, legislators voted to remove blasphemy—which had been a crime punishable by a fine or up to three months in prison—from the penal code.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Greece
In June, the government reopened ERT, the state broadcaster that was controversially shut down in the name of austerity in 2013.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Germany
In December, the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) reported that at least 29 journalists were physically attacked by right-wing actors in 2015, particularly while covering demonstrations.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Finland
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in June that the Finnish courts had violated a journalist’s rights by convicting him of defamation for criticizing the work of a fellow journalist.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Denmark
Denmark confirmed that it would keep its antiblasphemy law in place, which had been a subject of ongoing debate.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Azerbaijan
Rasim Aliyev, an independent reporter and acting chair of the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS), died in August after being severely beaten; it remained unclear at year’s end whether the assailants’ motive was connected to Aliyev’s journalistic work.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Freedom of the Press 2016: Austria
Legislators unveiled a draft freedom of information law, but media workers and watchdogs criticized several of its provisions, including a restrictive definition of “information,” vague and expansive exceptions, a lengthy response window, and the lack of an independent oversight body.
Freedom House — 23 April 2016 -
Analysis of the media situation in the southern and eastern oblasts of Ukraine
Joint research report by the Institute of Mass Information and GfK Ukraine
Institute of Mass Information (IMI) — 16 March 2016 -
Civil society under threat: Old and new challenges for human and children’s rights advocates in Eurasia
In recent years, the space afforded to civil society to operate freely has been shrinking dramatically across the world, presenting a serious threat to democracy and human rights. Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) have been especially badly affected by this shrinking political space.
Child Rights International Network (CRIN) — 17 December 2015 -
Surveillance, Secrecy and Self-Censorship: New Digital Freedom Challenges in Turkey
The report is a frank assessment of the recent regime of online censorship and mass surveillance against a backdrop of longstanding, serious abuses of the judicial process and attacks on freedom of expression by Turkish authorities.
PEN International, Norwegian PEN — 16 December 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Uzbekistan
Hackers leak confidential information revealing identities of Uznews journalists, publication closes after 10 years of reporting
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: United Kingdom
Draft investigatory powers bill introduced, dubbed “snoopers’ charter” by activists
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Ukraine
“Online journalists, activists, and bloggers in eastern Ukraine were subject to extralegal intimidation and were beaten, tortured, kidnapped”
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Turkey
“In the first half of 2015, 92 percent of all court orders to remove content received by Twitter worldwide originated in Turkey”
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Russia
Vague amendments to criminal code could criminalize financing of NGOs and independent media outlets
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Kyrgyzstan
Government resolution forces ISPs and MSPs to allow government real-time access to communication networks and subscribers’ data
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Kazakhstan
Websites and tools that allow users to hide IP addresses banned
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Italy
Online terrorism recruitment criminalized under new antiterrorism law
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Hungary
New per GB data transfer tax withdrawn following large protests
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Iceland
Whistler blower and user rights protection bills presented to Parliament
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Germany
“German foreign intelligence service BND helped the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to spy on German and European citizens, politicians and companies”
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Georgia
Internet data exempt from “two-key” wiretapping protections, Ministry of Internal Affairs has direct access to telecom servers
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: France
“CyberCaliphate” hacker group brings 11 television channels offline in massive cyberattack
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Estonia
ECHR upholds Supreme Court ruling, content hosts legally liable for third part comments on their websites
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Belarus
Government restricts use of Tor and other anonymizing tools
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Azerbaijan
Intimidation and self-censorship rises amid increases in arrests and detentions of online journalists
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Freedom on the Net 2015: Armenia
“Proposed amendments to the Law on Personal Data Protection would increase privacy protections”
Freedom House — 31 October 2015 -
Balancing Act: Press freedom at risk as EU struggles to match action with values
The EU has made press freedom imperative in negotiating with candidate countries, but has been accused of failing to take strong action when member states renege on their press freedom commitments.
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 29 September 2015 -
“That’s When I Realized I Was Nobody”
A Climate of Fear for LGBT People in Kazakhstan
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 23 July 2015 -
The Charlie Hebdo Effect in the Balkans
This report scrutinizes legislation covering freedom of expression and religious freedom in the Balkans, and whether satire and blasphemy are in any way regulated in these countries.
Center for Independent Journalism - Romania — 8 July 2015 -
Briefing: Criminal Defamation in Portugal
Defamation and insult remain criminal offences in Portugal punishable by up to two years behind bars despite the fact that a number of international human rights bodies have found criminal defamation to be a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 9 June 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Tajikistan
Ranked 179th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Slovakia
Ranked 38th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Slovenia
Ranked 41st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Portugal
Ranked 22nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Malta
Ranked 35th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Ireland
Ranked 14th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Estonia
Ranked 14th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Austria
Ranked 31st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Czech Republic
Ranked 28th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Ukraine
Ranked 125th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Turkey
Ranked 142nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Russia
Ranked 180th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Hungary
Ranked 71st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ranked 39th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Poland
Ranked 47th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Uzbekistan
Ranked 197th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: United Kingdom
Ranked 38th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Turkmenistan
Ranked 197th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Sweden
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Spain
Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Serbia
Ranked 80th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: San Marino
Ranked 14th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Romania
Ranked 84th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Netherlands
Ranked 3rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Montenegro
Ranked 78th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Monaco
Ranked 11th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Macedonia
Ranked 125th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Luxembourg
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Lithuania
Ranked 41st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Latvia
Ranked 52 in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Kyrgyzstan
Ranked 148th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Kosovo
Ranked 97th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Kazakhstan
Ranked 185th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Italy
Ranked 64th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Iceland
Ranked 14th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Norway
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Moldova
Ranked 118th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Belarus
Ranked 194th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Greece
Ranked 107th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Germany
Ranked 22nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Georgia
Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: France
Ranked 35th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Finland
Ranked 3rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Denmark
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Croatia
Ranked 80th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Bulgaria
Ranked 75th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Armenia
Ranked 135 in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Azerbaijan
Ranked 188th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Andorra
Ranked 8th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
Freedom of the Press 2015: Albania
Ranked 97th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2015 -
The State of Press Freedom in Spain: 2015
While media freedom in Spain remains robust and certainly comparable to its European neighbours, at such a critical moment for the Spanish public there is a need to ensure maximum access to the free flow of information.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 31 March 2015 -
Violations Of Freedom Of Expression In Belarus In 2014 (Review)
Legal regulation in the field of freedom of expression became more stringent as a result of abrupt introduction of amendments to the already undemocratic law ‘On Mass Media’ in December 2014.
Belarusian Association of Journalists — 31 December 2014 -
The Struggle for Turkey’s Internet
Freedom House — 29 August 2014 -
Media integrity matters: Reclaiming public service values in media and journalism
This book is an attempt to address obstacles to a democratic development of media systems in the countries of South East Europe by mapping patterns of corrupt relations and practices in media policy development, media ownership and financing, public service broadcasting, and journalism as a profession.
Albanian Media Institute — 19 June 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Luxembourg
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Lithuania
Ranked 39th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Latvia
Ranked 48th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Kosovo
Ranked 98th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Kazakhstan
Ranked 187th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Italy
Ranked 64th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Ireland
Ranked 15th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Iceland
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Hungary
Ranked 71st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Greece
Ranked 92nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Germany
Ranked 18th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Georgia
Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: France
Ranked 33rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Finland
Ranked 4th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Estonia
Ranked 15th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Czech Republic
Ranked 27th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Cyprus
Ranked 42nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Croatia
Ranked 83rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Russia
Websites featuring anti-Putin articles blocked
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Ukraine
Police cede Independence Square to protesters after two brutal, yet failed attempts to clear downtown core
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Turkey
Dozens of journalists forced to resign following sympathetic reporting on Gezi protests
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Switzerland
Media consolidation forces closure of small regional newspapers
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Netherlands
Foreign imams required to take one-year integration course before working in the Netherlands
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ranked 103rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Belgium
Ranked 4th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Azerbaijan
Ranked 183rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Austria
Ranked 30th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Lithuania
Baltic Pride held in Vilnius despite local government’s objection
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Latvia
Parliament bans public display of Soviet and Nazi symbols
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Armenia
Ranked 134th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Kyrgyzstan
“Rising nationalism continues to affect both ethnic Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbek NGO activists”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Kosovo
“European Commission (EC) urged authorities to step up efforts to investigate and prosecute attacks on journalists”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Andorra
Ranked 10th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Albania
Ranked 98th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: France
Ban on wearing religious symbols on University campuses proposed
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Estonia
European Court of Human Rights rules Estonian news website Delfi SA responsible under defamation laws for anonymous comments on its stories
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Croatia
Constitutional Court blocks introduction of new sexual health curriculum following “PR war”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Bulgaria
2013 saw “a major awakening for Bulgarian civil society”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Bosnia and Herzegovina
LGBT citizens face harassment in media
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Belgium
“Most of the country’s papers in the hands of a few corporations”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Belarus
“Wiretapping by state security agencies limits the right to free private discussion”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Azerbaijan
Social networks used to sidestep government censorship and mobilize protesters
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Albania
“Powerful business, political, and media interests inhibit the development of independent news outlets”
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: United Kingdom
Ranked 36th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Sweden
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Russia
Ranked 176th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Norway
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Montenegro
Ranked 78th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Kyrgyzstan
Ranked 147th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Denmark
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Bulgaria
Ranked 78th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
Freedom of the Press 2014: Belarus
Ranked 193rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2014 -
The Gezi Park Protests: The impact on freedom of expression in Turkey
The Turkish authorities severely restricted the right to freedom of expression of journalists and writers during and after the Gezi Park protests in 2013, English PEN and PEN International said in their joint report.
PEN International — 14 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: Uzbekistan
“Welcome to digital tyranny”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: United Kingdom
“World chamption of surveillance”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: Russia
“Control from the top down”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: Turkmenistan
“News black hole”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: Belarus
“Apparatus of repression”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Enemies of the Internet 2014: France
“Arms trade fairs: Surveillance dealerships”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2014 -
Freedom in the World 2014: Andorra
“Freedom of speech is respected across the country”
Freedom House — 1 March 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Uzbekistan
“Authorities continue targeting journalists, human rights activists”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: United Kingdom
“Legislators approve a royal charter allowing political interference in press regulation”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Ukraine
“Police, security services accused of assaulting reporters”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Turkey
“Turkey continues to be the world’s leading jailer of journalists”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Tajikistan
“Experts say new media law represents progress, but requires improvement”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Russia
“Authorities cracked down on free expression in run-up to Winter Olympics”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Kyrgyzstan
“Authorities unblock critical news website, but do not repeal censorship measure”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Kazakhstan
“Authorities ban outlets, websites affiliated with independent Respublika”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Italy
“Independent paper attacked twice with explosive devices”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Hungary
“Hungarian lawmakers adopt the criminalization of libel”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Belarus
“KGB fails to substantiate charges in teddy bear case”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Attacks on the Press in 2013: Azerbaijan
“Restrictive laws target free expression online”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 11 February 2014 -
Scores detained in Russia before Olympic ceremony
The Russian authorities detained at least 61 people in different cities across the country for holding unauthorized protests ahead of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi on 7 February 2014.
Unknown author — 7 February 2014 -
UN Secretary-General condemns attacks on homosexuals in Sochi speech
Ban-Ki Moon spoke out against the climate of discrimination and intimidation in Russia
Unknown author — 6 February 2014 -
Sochi 2014: world authors join protest against Putin
Over 200 international authors, including Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, sign IFEX member PEN International’s letter denouncing Russia’s “chokehold” on free expression
Unknown author — 6 February 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Uzbekistan
Ranked 166th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: United Kingdom
Ranked 33rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Ukraine
Ranked 127th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Turkmenistan
Ranked 178th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Turkey
Ranked 154th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Tajikistan
Ranked 115th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Switzerland
Ranked 15th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Sweden
Ranked 10th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Spain
Ranked 35th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Slovenia
Ranked 34th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Slovakia
Ranked 20th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Serbia
Ranked 54th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Russia
Ranked 148th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Romania
Ranked 45th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Portugal
Ranked 30th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Poland
Ranked 19th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Norway
Ranked 3rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Netherlands
Ranked 2nd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Armenia
Ranked 78th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Montenegro
Ranked 114th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Andorra
Ranked 5th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Moldova
Ranked 56th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Albania
Ranked 85th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Malta
Ranked 51st in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Macedonia
Ranked 124th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Luxembourg
Ranked 4th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Lithuania
Ranked 32nd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Latvia
Ranked 37th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Kyrgyzstan
Ranked 97th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Kosovo
Ranked 80th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Kazakhstan
Ranked 161st in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Italy
Ranked 49th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Ireland
Ranked 16th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Iceland
Ranked 8th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Hungary
Ranked 64th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Greece
Ranked 99th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Germany
Ranked 14th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Georgia
Ranked 84th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: France
Ranked 39th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Finland
Ranked first in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Estonia
Ranked 11th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Denmark
Ranked 7th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Czech Republic
Ranked 13th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Cyprus
Ranked 25th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Croatia
Ranked 65th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Bulgaria
Ranked 100th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ranked 66th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Belgium
Ranked 23rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Belarus
Ranked 157th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Azerbaijan
Ranked 160th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
World Press Freedom Index 2014: Austria
Ranked 12th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 31 January 2014 -
Capturing Them Softly Soft Censorship and State Capture in Hungarian Media
Hungary’s independent media today faces creeping strangulation. State capture of Hungarian media is unfolding slowly but surely, principally through the “soft censor- ship” of financial incentives and influence that affect media outlets’ editorial content and economic viability.
World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers — 28 January 2014 -
Soft Censorship: Strangling Serbia’s Media
Decade-long efforts to promote media reforms in Serbia have foundered. This report describes the mechanisms of a growing “soft censorship” that denies Serbia’s citizens their right to a free and independent media and offers recommendations that can help dismantle these insidious practices.
World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers — 28 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Uzbekistan
“Authorities block international rights groups and media from operating”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: United Kingdom
PM threatens media for reporting on government mass surveillance
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Ukraine
Government bans all public events to block Pride Equality March
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Turkmenistan
Censorship prohibited, yet media freedom remains elusive
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Turkey
Anti-government protests follow violent dispersal of peaceful sit-in
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Tajikistan
Widespread crackdown on freedom of expression in lead-up to national elections
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Spain
Catalonia police collecting data on women wearing full-face veil
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Hungary
Limits of free expression tested as football fans raise Nazi flags, shout Seig Heil
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Greece
Non-dominant expressions of gender met with increasing violence
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Germany
Allegations of involvement in US digital surveillance program
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Georgia
All telcos equiped with government mandidated surveillance equipment
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Serbia
Investigation begins in decades old case of three murdered journalists
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Russia
Parliament unanimously adopts law banning promotion of “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relationships”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Threats and acts of intimidation by political and religious authorities impede investigative journalism
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Kyrgyzstan
14-month ban on independent online Central Asian news agency Ferghana.ru lifted
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Belarus
Court deems photo contest “extremist”, KGB demands prints destroyed
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Kazakhstan
Websites blocked; libel remains criminal offense
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Italy
Lower house extends hate speech protections to LGBT Italians, exempts organizations from criminal liability
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Azerbaijan
Authorities lay narcotics and weapons possession, hooliganism, and treason charges against critical journalists
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
World Report 2014: Armenia
The Women’s Resource Centre targeted on Facebook, comments threaten to “blow it up”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 January 2014 -
“The Political Map of Local Televisions” Report
This report looks into the current situation of local TV stations regarding their financial status, sources of funding (including public funding), the political and economic pressures they are subject to, ownership and its political and business connections and professionalization and self-regulation levels.
ActiveWatch – Media Monitoring Agency — 21 January 2014 -
Balkan Media Barometer: Albania 2013
The Balkan Media Barometer is an analytical exercise to measure the media situation in a given country which at the same time serves as a practical lobbying tool for media reform. The BMB consists of a set of 45 indicators derived from European standards referenced in European Union and Council of Europe documents.
Albanian Media Institute — 31 December 2013 -
More draconian legislation – How far will the Duma go?
A new bill provides for the immediate blocking of websites with content regarded by the prosecutor’s office as extremist. Inciting hatred or terrorist acts are already grounds for blocking. Now, urging people to participate in unauthorized protests would also be viewed as “extremist.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 20 December 2013 -
Russia: Experts Dispute Case Against Protesters
Charges against dozens of protesters in connection with the protest on the eve of President Vladimir Putin’s 2012 inauguration are “inappropriate” and “disproportionate,” according to a panel of independent experts. Twenty seven people are facing “mass rioting” charges in connection with the protest on May 6, 2012.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 18 December 2013 -
The Russian Federation: Journalists under attack
New investigations are needed into cases of violence against journalists and those at risk need immediate protection, according to a new ARTICLE 19 report.
ARTICLE 19 — 12 December 2013 -
One Step Forward, One Step Back: An Assessment of Freedom of Expression in Ukraine during its OSCE Chairmanship
In spite of the generally high quality of legislation, the reality of implementation is less impressive. Citizens may freely express their views, and collect and disseminate information, but access to free and pluralistic media and to public information held by the authorities is inadequate. Journalists’ working conditions are not secure enough to work safely and remedies for violations of journalists’ rights or attacks on journalists are ineffective.
Freedom House — 2 December 2013 -
Violence ‘the easiest way’ to deal with journalists in Russia
Russia is the sixth deadliest country in the world for journalists in the last 16 years. Moreover, as impunity for attacks on journalists in Russia remains the general rule and the vast majority of cases remain unsolved, the true tally could be even higher.
International Press Institute (IPI) — 23 November 2013 -
Belarus: EU Should Stand Firm on Rights
The European Union should use its upcoming meeting with the Belarusian foreign minister to reinforce tough and principled human rights demands on the government, Human Rights Watch said today.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 21 July 2013 -
Nations in Transit 2013: Authoritarian Aggression and the Pressures of Austerity
Nations in Transit 2013 is Freedom House’s comprehensive, comparative study of democratic development in 29 countries from Central Europe to Eurasia. This edition covers the period from January 1 through December 31, 2012 and measures progress according to the following indicators: electoral process, civil society, independent media, national democratic governance, local democratic governance, judicial framework and independence, and corruption.
Freedom House — 27 June 2013 -
Russia: Harsh Toll of ‘Foreign Agents’ Law
Russian authorities are using a new law that requires some nongovernmental organizations to register as “foreign agents” to curtail a broad range of work by independent organizations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 26 June 2013 -
Opinion No.222: Implementation of the Council of Europe Commitments in the field of fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan
The current document is a preliminary version of the groundbreaking review of the implementation of the Council of Europe commitments vis-à-vis fundamental freedoms in Azerbaijan. The final version of the report will be launched in October, during fourth session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) — 25 June 2013 -
Is the EU heading in the right direction on digital freedom?
Index on Censorship — 20 June 2013 -
Media Freedom in Romania: 2012
ActiveWatch – Media Monitoring Agency — 31 May 2013 -
Taking the Offensive – defending artistic freedom of expression in the UK
Widespread self-censorship and fear of causing offence is suppressing creativity and ideas in the United Kingdom, according to a conference report published by Index on Censorship.
Index on Censorship — 31 May 2013 -
Kosovo: Letter on protection of sources bill
ARTICLE 19 — 23 May 2013 -
Wrong Direction on Rights: Assessing the Impact of Hungary’s New Constitution and Laws
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 16 May 2013 -
Russian Model Gains as Press Freedom Declines
Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has emerged as a laboratory for the development of methods to suppress media freedom in the post-totalitarian era.
Freedom House — 3 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Uzbekistan
Ranked 195th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: United Kingdom
Ranked 31st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Ukraine
Ranked 131st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Turkey
Ranked 120th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Tajikistan
Ranked 172nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Switzerland
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Sweden
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Spain
Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Slovakia
Ranked 35th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Slovenia
Ranked 40th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Serbia
Ranked 74th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: San Marino
Ranked 13th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Romania
Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Portugal
Ranked 19th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Poland
Ranked 47th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Norway
Ranked 1st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Netherlands
Ranked 3rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Montenegro
Ranked 74th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Monaco
Ranked 13th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Moldova
Ranked 112th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Malta
Ranked 35th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Macedonia
Ranked 120th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Luxembourg
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Lithuania
Ranked 40th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Latvia
Ranked 55th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Kyrgyzstan
Ranked 158th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Kosovo
Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Kazakhstan
Ranked 182nd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Italy
Ranked 68th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Ireland
Ranked 13th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Iceland
Ranked 10th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Hungary
Ranked 74th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Greece
Ranked 83rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Germany
Ranked 19th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Georgia
Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: France
Ranked 35th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Finland
Ranked 3rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Estonia
Ranked 13th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Denmark
Ranked 6th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Czech Republic
Ranked 27th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Cyprus
Ranked 45th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Croatia
Ranked 81st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Bulgaria
Ranked 77th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Belgium
Ranked 3rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Belarus
Ranked 193rd in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Azerbaijan
Ranked 177th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Austria
Ranked 31st in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Armenia
Ranked 134th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Andorra
Ranked 9th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Albania
Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 May 2013 -
Russia: Draft Amendment to the Criminal Code Aimed at Countering Insult of Religious Beliefs and Feelings of Citizens, Desecration of Religious Objects and Subjects of Worship (Pilgrimage) and Sites of Religious Ceremonies
ARTICLE 19 calls on the State Duma of the Russian Federation to reject the concept of defamation of religions proposed in the Draft Law.
ARTICLE 19 — 30 April 2013 -
Laws of Attrition: Crackdown on Russia’s Civil Society after Putin’s Return to the Presidency
The report analyzes new laws in Russia, including the so-called “foreign agents” law, the treason law, and the assembly law, and documents how they have been used.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 24 April 2013 -
UK: Draft Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press and Amendments to the Crime and Courts Bill
In this legal analysis, ARTICLE 19 reviews the provisions of the Draft Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press, recently drafted by the three biggest political parties in the United Kingdom, and the relevant provisions of the Amendments of the Crime and Courts Bill, currently pending in parliament.
ARTICLE 19 — 31 March 2013 -
Uzbekistan: Kerry Should Raise Rights Abuses at Talks
In the last year, Uzbek authorities intensified their crackdown on civil society, placing human rights activists under house arrest and incommunicado detention for peaceful civic activism, extending the prison sentences of peaceful opposition figures without due process, and deporting international journalists who attempt to visit the country.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 7 March 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Turkmenistan
Ranked 196th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 March 2013 -
Freedom of the Press 2013: Russia
Ranked 176th in annual global media freedom report
Freedom House — 1 March 2013 -
Expression Freedom in Turkey: Struggle, Abuses Resume
In 2012, journalists and rights organisations worldwide called on the Turkish government to release journalists and abolish the Anti-Terror Law.
IPS Communication Foundation - Bianet — 25 February 2013 -
Report on the Situation of the Press in Moldova in 2012
Unknown author — 20 February 2013 -
World Report 2013: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Incidents of verbal and physical harassment of journalists were some of the human rights abuses recorded by Human Rights Watch in Bosnia in 2012.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 31 January 2013 -
World Report 2013: Croatia
Incidents of verbal and physical harassment of journalists were some of the human rights abuses recorded by Human Rights Watch in Croatia in 2012.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 31 January 2013 -
World Report 2013: Serbia
Incidents of verbal and physical harassment of journalists were some of the human rights abuses recorded by Human Rights Watch in Serbia in 2012.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 31 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Montenegro
Cooperation between civil society and government institutions improving
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Monaco
“Criticism of the ruling family is prohibited”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Moldova
Government passes ban on Soviet symbols currently used by Communist party
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Malta
Malta’s first Freedom of Information Act comes into effect
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Macedonia
Broadcasting Council prohibits politicians from owning broadcast media
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Luxembourg
“A single conglomerate, Radio Télévision Luxembourg, dominates broadcast radio and television”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Lithuania
“The press suffers from inadequate standards for transparency of ownership”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Latvia
Business and political influence on the media is increasing
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Kyrgyzstan
“The media landscape remained bifurcated along ethnic lines in 2012”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
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Freedom in the World 2013: Kazakhstan
Government invokes anti-extremism laws to ban unregistered opposition parties
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Italy
Journalists given prison terms and hefty fines for reporting politician attended neo-Nazi event
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Ireland
“The media are free and independent, and internet access is unrestricted”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Iceland
Northern Lights Corporation controls most private TV and radio outlets and 2 of 3 national newspapers
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Hungary
Hundreds of religious organisations stripped of registered status and budgetary allocations for social and charitable services under new law
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Greece
Limits placed on right to association and assembly of groups representing ethnic minorities
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Germany
Twitter blocks neo-Nazi group’s account in what is reportedly the company’s first action in any nation to block “country-withheld content” at a government’s request
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Georgia
“Legal amendments that banned offshore ownership of broadcasters and required stations to reveal their ownership structures came into effect”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: France
Government closes French embassies as “Charlie Hebdo” publishes more Muhammad cartoons
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Finland
Many newspapers are controlled by or support political parties
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Estonia
“Civil society is vibrant, and the government involves NGOs in the drafting of legislation”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
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Freedom in the World 2013: Czech Republic
“Muzzle law” prohibits press from identifying victims of serious crimes and publishing information obtained through police wiretaps
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Cyprus
“Vibrant independent press frequently criticizes the authorities”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Croatia
“Journalists – particularly those covering organized crime and corruption – face political pressure, intimidation, and attacks”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Uzbekistan
“University professors have been dismissed or imprisoned for expressing dissent, and some have been killed in response to their outspoken support for regime opponents”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: United Kingdom
Government faces criticism for delaying access to information requests
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Ukraine
“Academic freedom has come under pressure since Yanukovych took power”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Filmmaker attacked following screening of documentary on her late husband’s efforts to help Bosnian Muslims during the 1990s conflict
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Turkmenistan
“Turkmenistan’s main Internet service provider, run by the government, reportedly blocks undesirable websites and monitors users’ activity”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Turkey
“Nearly all media organisations are owned by giant holding companies with ties to political parties, contributing to self-censorship”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Belgium
Most newspapers are in the hands of a few corporations
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Belarus
“Academic freedom is subject to intense state ideological pressures, and institutions that use a liberal curriculum or are suspected of disloyalty face harassment and liquidation”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Tajikistan
Authorities cut off public access to information and communication networks during and after fighting in autonomous Gorno-Badakhshan province
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Russia
“Vague laws on extremism make it possible to crack down on any speech, organisation, or activity that lacks official support”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Romania
Sales of foreign media leave “a larger share of important outlets in the hands of wealthy Romanian businessmen, who typically use them to advance their political and economic interests”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Switzerland
“Consolidation of newspaper ownership in large media conglomerates has forced the closure of some small and local newspapers”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Sweden
Sweden has “one of the most robust freedom of information statutes in the world”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Portugal
“Freedoms of assembly and association are honored, and national and international NGOs, including human rights groups, operate in the country without interference”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Azerbaijan
“Journalists are threatened and assaulted with impunity”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Poland
“Controversial amendment passed in October 2012 grants local authorities increased discretion to limit demonstrations in their districts”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Armenia
“The authorities use informal pressure to maintain control over broadcast outlets”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Spain
Journalists who oppose ETA’s political views have been targets of violence
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Andorra
“Freedoms of assembly and association are generally respected, and domestic and international human rights organisations operate freely”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Albania
Gay pride parade cancelled following threats from public and Deputy Defence Minister
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Norway
“In an effort to promote political pluralism, the state subsidises many newspapers, the majority of which are privately owned and openly partisan”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Slovenia
“Laws that prohibit hate speech and criminalise defamation are in effect”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Slovakia
Amendments to press law remove requirement that media publish responses or corrections from public officials if they are criticised for their performance in office
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Netherlands
“The news media are free and independent”
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Freedom in the World 2013: Serbia
Government backtracks on plans to decriminalise defamation, saying it is not a condition for EU membership
Freedom House — 16 January 2013 -
Belarus: Pulling the plug
Policy paper on digital challenges to freedom of expression in Belarus
Index on Censorship — 4 January 2013 -
Legal Monitoring of the Serbian Media Scene
Association of Independent Electronic Media — 31 December 2012 -
Serbian Media Scene vs. European Standards, Report based on Council of Europe’s Indicators for Media in a Democracy, 2012
The report points out that the blind spot of the Serbian media system are informal alliances of ruling political forces and big industrial and commercial businesses which are allowed to infiltrate the media in a non-transparent way and fulfill through them the common interests of the state and the businesses.
Association of Independent Electronic Media — 30 December 2012 -
Transparency of Media Ownership in the Republic of Moldova
Unknown author — 30 November 2012 -
Universal Periodic Review: Uzbekistan
This submission highlights Human Rights Watch’s assessment regarding the Uzbek government’s compliance with its international obligations and the recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2008.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 31 October 2012 -
Universal Periodic Review: Turkmenistan
Joint HRW submission on Turkmenistan with Freedom Now and the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 31 October 2012 -
Ukraine 2012 press freedom violations
The Institute of Mass Information has created a map highlighting press freedom violations related to the October 28 parliamentary election.
Institute of Mass Information (IMI) — 30 October 2012 -
Predators of Freedom of Information 2012: Belarus
Freedom of expression and assembly so repressed protestors can only clap hands to show dissent
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 2 May 2012 -
Predators of Freedom of Information 2012: Azerbaijan
Eurovision 2012 was a battle ground for free expression
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 2 May 2012 -
Predators of Freedom of Information 2012: Uzbekistan
President “has steadily boosted his power, ruthlessly silencing the opposition press through disappearances, forcible internment in psychiatric hospitals and arbitrary imprisonment”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 2 May 2012 -
Predators of Freedom of Information 2012: Turkmenistan
“State control of the country’s five TV stations, 25 newspapers and 15 magazines is absolute”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 2 May 2012 -
Predators of Freedom of Information 2012: Spain
ETA continues to threaten journalists working in Basque region
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 2 May 2012 -
The Enemies of the Internet 2012: Uzbekistan
“Uzbekistan is one of the region’s most Internet-repressive countries”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2012 -
The Enemies of the Internet 2012: Turkmenistan
“For the first time, netizens have managed to breach the censorship wall of one of the world’s most closed countries”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2012 -
The Enemies of the Internet 2012: Belarus
“Revolution through social networks” has “spread like wildfire”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 12 March 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Azerbaijan
Journalist Eynulla Fatullayev praises international community for its sustained support leading to his release
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Hungary
Restrictive media law comes into force as Hungary joins European Union
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Italy
“As Berlusconi is forced out, he still pushes bill banning wiretap coverage”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Kyrgyzstan
Parliament decriminalises libel, eliminates tools used to suppress critical journalism
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Kazakhstan
Former security agent and two accomplices charged in abduction and murder of journalist Gennady Pavlyuk
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Russia
As tens of thousands protest election, journalists are detained
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Tajikistan
Defamation continues to be prosecuted as a criminal offence
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Ukraine
Government officials play down incidents of violence against journalists, claim most attacks “not work-related”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: United Kingdom
“Libel laws strongly favour the plaintiff and enable a damaging practice known as ‘libel tourism'”
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Uzbekistan
Supreme Court orders closing of Tashkent office of Human Rights Watch
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Attacks on the Press in 2011: Belarus
Europe’s most repressive regime for press
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) — 21 February 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: United Kingdom
News of the World wiretapping scandal draws attention to government’s inability to protect privacy of its citizens
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Ukraine
“Negative tendencies” towards suppression of freedom of expression follow Viktor Yanukovych’s installation as president
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Turkmenistan
“The war of information 2.0 has now begun”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Turkey
“2011 saw a dramatic escalation in the judicial harassment of journalists”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Tajikistan
Authorities use the “specter of civil war and radical Islamism” to gag journalists
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tied for 58th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Malta
Tied for 58th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Slovakia
“Relations between the government and media have improved”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Moldova
Ranked 53rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Latvia
Interference by security service decreases Latvia’s position on press freedom index to 50th place
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Russia
“The media freedom panorama continues to be gloomy”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Romania
Tied for 47th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Norway
Tied with Finland as the freest country in the world for press
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Greece
Economic crises heightens fragility of media, while journalists covering protests work in conditions resembling “war zones”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Georgia
Ranked 104th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: France
France ranks a “disappointing” 38th place in 2011 press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Finland
The world’s freest country for media
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Estonia
3rd worst Baltic state for free expression
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Hungary
Adopting law that allows ruling party control over media, leads to 17th position decrease in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Spain
“Little progress” for Spain in press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Slovenia
Ranked 36th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Portugal
Ranked 33rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Lithuania
Grotesque court rulings lead to fall to 30th place on annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Poland
Ranked 24th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Belgium
Ranked 20th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Germany
Tied for 16th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Cyprus
Tied for 16th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Ireland
Ranked 15th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Czech Republic
Ranked 14th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Bulgaria
Concerns about print media pluralism grow in worst nation for press freedom in European Union
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Sweden
Ranked 12th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Denmark
Ranked 10th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Switzerland
Ranked 8th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Luxembourge
Tied for 6th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Iceland
Tied for 6th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Austria
Ranked 5th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Armenia
A 23 point rise in 2011 to 77th place on annial press freedom index returns the country to its 2008 position
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Netherlands
Ranked 3rd in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Uzbekistan
No progress made in press freedom environment as online content becomes focus of government attention
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Serbia
Ranked 80th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Montenegro
Ranked 107th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Kosovo
Tied for 86th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Croatia
Tied for 68th place in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Macedonia
Country loses 40 per cent of its media with the closure of Plus Produkcija
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
http://en.rsf.org/press-freedom-index-2011-2012,1043.html
President uses media as “scapegoat for all of his country’s problems”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Azerbaijan
Social media under surveillance, netizens jailed for promoting demonstrations
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Kyrgyzstan
Media freedom is “very fragile, with physical attacks on journalists and repressive initiatives by parliament”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Albania
Ranked 96th in annual press freedom index
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Kazakhstan
“In a bid to maintain a facade of stability at all costs, the Kazakh authorities have stepped up their persecution of the few independent voices and are trying to gain control of the Internet”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
Press Freedom Index 2011-2012: Italy
Italy narrowly rejects “attempt to introduce Internet filtering without reference to the courts”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) — 25 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Serbia
Death “announcements” of investigative journalists postered throughout country
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Russia
Police officer arrested in murder of Journalist Anna Politkovskaya
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Kyrgyzstan
Supporters of various political parties attempt to intimidate journalists with physical assaults
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Kazakhstan
“The environment for freedom of expression remains restrictive”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Georgia
Parliament passes legislation mandating broadcasting companies to make ownership information public
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Two media workers reportedly attacked by former Imam and supporters following Islamic leader’s suspension
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Belarus
“Authorities continue to severely curtail the right to assemble peacefully”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Azerbaijan
“More than 50 domestic and foreign journalists were harassed or attacked in 2011”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Armenia
“A lack of media pluralism remains a problem”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Uzbekistan
Uzbek Information Agency, “involved in trumping up cases against journalist”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Turkmenistan
“The country remains closed to independent scrutiny, media and religious freedoms are subject to draconian restrictions, and human rights defenders face constant threat of government reprisal”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Turkey
Two journalists and an academic charged under terrorism legislation for allegedly aiding and abetting Ergenekon organisation
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Netherlands
Dutch court rules politicians have more latitude than members of public to express inflammatory ideas
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
World Report 2012: Tajikistan
BBC journalists claim torture in pre-trial detention
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 22 January 2012 -
Protesting as a Terrorist Offense: Turkey
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 1 November 2010 -
Kosovo: Still not too late for press freedom…
Human Rights Watch (HRW) — 20 July 2010
![Link to: Former member of National Front’s security squad details methods used to harass journalists](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Former member of National Front’s security squad details methods used to harass journalists
(RSF/IFEX) – The 13 November 1997 edition of the daily “Liberation” published an interview with a former member of the security forces (le Departement protection-securite, DPS) of the National Front political party in which the man, referred to as “Dominique”, detailed the methods of harassment used by the DPS against journalists. The man said that […]
![Link to: RSF calls for creation of non-governmental commission on press freedom on occasion of summit of Iberian and Latin American leaders](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
RSF calls for creation of non-governmental commission on press freedom on occasion of summit of Iberian and Latin American leaders
(RSF/IFEX) – In a 7 November 1997 press release, RSF called for a non-governmental commission on press freedom to be created on the occasion of the annual Ibero-American Summit, held on Isla Margarita, Venezuela on 8 and 9 November. RSF asked for a commitment to the creation of a non-governmental commission on the occasion of […]
![Link to: At tenth hearing in trial of journalist’s murder, presiding judge asks to be taken off the case](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
At tenth hearing in trial of journalist’s murder, presiding judge asks to be taken off the case
(RSF/IFEX) – In a 6 November 1997 press release, RSF reports that, on 6 November, during the Afyon (western Turkey) Court of Assizes’ tenth hearing in the trial of eleven police officers accused of murdering journalist Metin Goktepe, Kamil Serif, the presiding judge of the panel hearing the case, asked to be taken off the […]
![Link to: Leaders justify continued restrictions on the media, WAN delegation to Turkey reports](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Leaders justify continued restrictions on the media, WAN delegation to Turkey reports
(WAN/IFEX) – A “human rights coordinating committee” charged with examining measures to “expand freedom of the press and freedom of expression” will report its findings to the Turkish Cabinet “by December”, a delegation from the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) was informed in Ankara on 5 November 1997. Mr Sukru Sina Gurel, Minister of State […]
![Link to: Two radio journalists arrested; cassettes and publications confiscated](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Two radio journalists arrested; cassettes and publications confiscated
(RSF/IFEX) – On the evening of 4 November 1997, an anti-terrorist police brigade arrested Mehmetcan Toprak, director of programming at Radyo Karacadag, and Vedat Bakir, another manager at the station, following their coverage of the arrest of several individuals at the Sin a Sanliurfa bookstore. At around 12:30 am, police entered the offices of the […]
![Link to: Two radio journalists arrested; cassettes and publications confiscated](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Two radio journalists arrested; cassettes and publications confiscated
(RSF/IFEX) – On the evening of 4 November 1997, an anti-terrorist police brigade arrested Mehmetcan Toprak, director of programming at Radyo Karacadag, and Vedat Bakir, another manager at the station, following their coverage of the arrest of several individuals at the Sin a Sanliurfa bookstore. At around 12:30 am, police entered the offices of the […]
![Link to: Upper house of Parliament refuses to confirm controversial draft amendments to press law](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Upper house of Parliament refuses to confirm controversial draft amendments to press law
(IFJ/IFEX) – At its meeting on 29 October 1997, the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament refused to confirm the draft amendments to the press law and sent the law back to the lower house. **Updates IFEX alerts dated 16 October, 2 July and 27 June 1997** An IFJ delegation met with President Alexander Lukashenko […]
![Link to: “Koha Ditore” journalists harassed by police](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
“Koha Ditore” journalists harassed by police
(RSF/IFEX) – On 29 October 1997, two police officers entered the offices of the Albanian-language daily “Koha Ditore” in order to review the personal identity documents of associate editor-in- chief Yiber Hysa and of journalist Fisnik Abrashi, who had covered a demonstration by Albanian students in Pristina earlier that day. The officers also demanded to […]
![Link to: Serbian journalist threatened with death](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Serbian journalist threatened with death
(CPJ/IFEX) – Gordana Igric, a prominent Serbian freelance journalist, has been forced into hiding by a series of death threats against her for a recent report broadcast on the U.S. television station CBS about indicted war criminals at large in the Bosnian town of Foce. Igric began receiving threatening phone calls at her Belgrade apartment […]
![Link to: State censorship could return to Belarus, seminar warns](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
State censorship could return to Belarus, seminar warns
(IFJ/IFEX) – Journalists from sixteen countries participating in an IFJ/Council of Europe seminar in Minsk called on the upper house of the Belarusian Parliament and on President Alexander Lukashenko not to adopt amendments to the media law agreed by the lower house. **For background on amendments to press law, see IFEX alerts dated 16 October, […]
![Link to: Playwright Esber Yagmurdereli imprisoned in order to serve 23- year sentence](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Playwright Esber Yagmurdereli imprisoned in order to serve 23- year sentence
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 19 October 1997, playwright and lawyer Esber Yagmurdereli was arrested at his home in Istanbul by the Istanbul Security Directorate Public Order Department. He was taken to the Department’s offices in Gayrettepe, Istanbul where he was held for two days before eventually being transferred on 21 October to a prison in Cankiri. […]
![Link to: Trial of “Feral Tribune” journalists to resume in December](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Trial of “Feral Tribune” journalists to resume in December
(RSF/IFEX) – The trial of Viktor Ivancic, editor-in-chief of the satirical weekly “Feral Tribune”, and staff reporter Marinko Culic is set to resume on 22 December 1997. **Updates IFEX alerts dated 6 May 1997, 10 October, 26 and 19 September, 14 and 12 June and 8 May 1996** Background Information The two journalists are accused […]
![Link to: Parliament to debate proposed amendments to Press Law](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Parliament to debate proposed amendments to Press Law
(IFJ/IFEX) – In the coming days, the Parliament of Belarus will debate proposed amendments to the Press Law. The amendments would increase the level of governmental control over the media through the power to ban publications and broadcasters, stop the importation and exportation of information “which may harm the political and economic interest of the […]
![Link to: Authorities temporarily cut independent radio station off its main frequency](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Authorities temporarily cut independent radio station off its main frequency
(CPJ/IFEX) – On 13 October 1997, the state-run telecommunications company, Slovak Telecom, cut the popular independent radio station Radio Twist off its main frequency for 25 hours, citing unpaid bills for the use of its transmitter in the capital, Bratislava. Andrei Hric, the station’s owner and general manager, said Radio Twist was switched off without […]
![Link to: Journalist Pavel Sheremet freed pending trial](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Journalist Pavel Sheremet freed pending trial
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 8 October 1997, Pavel Sheremet, the Minsk bureau chief of the Russian television station ORT, was released pending trial. He was reportedly taken home in handcuffs under escort by police officers. His release is on condition that he not leave Minsk. Sheremet’s lawyers say that his trial is due to start by […]
![Link to: Further details of trial against publisher Recep Marasli](https://ifex.org/wp-content/themes/ifex/assets/images/placeholder.png)
Further details of trial against publisher Recep Marasli
(WiPC/IFEX) – The trial hearing against publisher and poet Recep Marasli, accused of membership in a pro-Kurdish organisation (see IFEX alerts), was held on 2 October 1997 at the Ankara State Security Court. During this hearing, defence lawyers pointed out that Marasli was being tried for the same charges by another court in Istanbul and […]
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