International Press Institute (IPI)

Popular broadcaster Dozhd and investigative website IStories labelled ‘foreign agents’ ahead of September’s parliamentary elections.

“Today’s indictment of the man alleged to have effectively orchestrated and funded the assassination is a milestone in the fight against impunity and another important step down the road to full justice for Daphne’s murder” – IPI.

South Korea’s ruling party has introduced an amendment to the Media Arbitration Act that would penalize the spread of disinformation. But critics said the amendment could be used to stifle free speech and undermine media coverage of the coming elections.

“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.”

“IPI calls on the Hungarian national security committee to hold an urgent session to assess how long this illegal monitoring has been carried out for, who is responsible for approving the surveillance and assessing how many journalists have been targeted.”

Eight media workers were hospitalised in Tblisi after far-right demonstrators attacked journalists and TV crews. Sticks and bottles were thrown and equipment belonging to TV stations was stolen or damaged.

Since Prime Minister Janez Janša returned to power in March 2020, the ruling SDS party has embarked on a multi-pronged campaign to reshape the media landscape in favour of a pro-government narrative, renewing tactics successful during previous administrations and forging ahead with new forms of pressure.

IFEX is among 16 human rights and freedom of expression organisations calling on the European Council to strengthen its demands on Turkey to end the backsliding on human rights and freedom of expression.