AJM: Time Must Not Replace Justice for Attacks Against Journalists
On the occasion of 2 November – the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) reminds that without an effective institutional response and timely justice, every unpunished attack against journalists poses a threat to media freedom and the public’s right to be informed.
The safety of journalists is not merely a matter of the personal security of media professionals; it is a prerequisite for free and professional journalism. When journalists are exposed to threats, violence, pressure or coordinated online attacks, while perpetrators face no consequences, an atmosphere of fear is created, sending the message that attacks against media workers can go unpunished.
In recent years, AJM has noted certain positive developments in the institutional response, particularly in some of the more recent cases involving physical attacks. Nevertheless, impunity and lengthy proceedings remain serious concerns. Some cases have remained unresolved for years, while online threats, harassment and campaigns aimed at discrediting journalists continue to increase, particularly targeting women journalists.
AJM therefore expects the Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courts to act promptly, in a coordinated and effective manner in all cases involving attacks and threats against journalists. The institutional response must not end with the reporting of an incident or the opening of an investigation. It must lead to the establishment of facts, the identification of perpetrators and their appropriate punishment in accordance with the law.
It is particularly important that digital violence is not treated as a less serious form of attack. Threats on social media, coordinated discrediting campaigns and hate speech can directly affect journalists’ safety and their willingness to report freely in the public interest.
On 2 November, AJM reiterates that time must not replace justice. Every unresolved attack is not merely an unsolved case, but also a potential signal to future perpetrators that violence against journalists may go unpunished.
We expect the National Committee to deliver measurable results.
In this regard, AJM welcomes the decision to establish the National Committee for the Protection and Safety of Journalists, in which AJM is also expected to participate. The Committee should provide an opportunity for better coordination between institutions and the media community, as well as for a systematic improvement of journalists’ safety.
However, for AJM, its value will be measured exclusively by its concrete results. The National Action Plan should include clear commitments, deadlines and measurable indicators for institutions, as well as a mechanism for regular monitoring and reporting on its implementation. Only in this way can the Committee become an effective mechanism rather than merely a formal coordinating body.
AJM believes that the active involvement of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the judiciary is essential in this process, as a comprehensive institutional response to attacks against journalists cannot be ensured without their direct participation. Protection does not end with the police response – it also requires timely prosecutorial action and effective judicial outcomes.
AJM will continue to monitor cases of attacks against journalists, provide support and demand accountability and justice from the institutions. The protection of journalists must not remain a declarative commitment, but must become a measurable and lasting institutional practice.
