European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

The renowned independent newspaper announced it would ease online and print operations until the end of the war in Ukraine after it received a second warning from the state media regulator for allegedly violating the country’s “foreign agent” law.

On 12 March, Baturin left home to meet an acquaintance nearby. Although he promised to return in 20 minutes, he has not been seen since.

Yesypenko was convicted on dubious charges relating to possession of explosives. He says that he was tortured after his arrest in March 2021 and was forced to confess his ‘guilt’ on the Russia-controlled TV channel ‘Crimea 24’.

In 2021, 113 journalists were arrested in Belarus just for doing their job; 32 of those are still in detention. The authorities also raided 146 journalists’ homes and offices, and designated 13 media outlets as extremist.

The 10 citizen journalists are mostly Crimean Tatars. They are charged with “participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation”, “complicity in sabotage” or “preparation for the violent seizure of power by an organised group by prior agreement”.

On 2 December 2021, four former officials of the Serbian state security services were handed a total of 100 years in prison for the murder of investigative reporter Ćuruvija.

MEPs voted to adopt a report on the use of SLAPPs that calls for: early dismissal mechanisms which would prevent costly and time-consuming litigation; sanctions for claimants; and provisions to prevent seeking legal action in a more favourable jurisdiction.

‘Novy Chas’ staff have previously been targeted for detention and administrative arrest. And earlier this year, the state-run publications distribution chain Beldruk ended its distribution contract with the newspaper.