European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

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.

Recent media freedom mission finds press and journalists in Poland facing legal threats, financial precarity, political pressure, regulatory capture and growing polarisation.

“Deliberately targeting journalists, shelling their facilities, and engaging in arbitrary detentions and torture clearly violate international humanitarian law and press freedom.”

Pehlivan was told to turn himself over to the Marmara Low Security Correctional Institution between August 1-15, 2023. He has already been incarcerated four times for his journalism.

On 18 July, members of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina) will vote on the draft Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code, which would re-introduce criminal penalties for defamation.

The fourth Rule of Law report makes specific recommendations to 19 individual EU member states, urging them to take measures to protect journalists, media freedom and pluralism.

“It is far too restrictive to have a meaningful impact. Very few cases fall within the scope of what the council is proposing. Member States’ public commitments are not being translated into concrete action when it comes to providing a favourable environment for journalists” – EFJ

Tensions in the region have escalated after municipal elections – boycotted by the Serbian minority – brought to power ethnically Albanian mayors in three towns.