AJM and SSNM: Journalists summoned for questioning without prior drone ban announcement – we demand explanation from MoI and CAA
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) express concern over the summoning of journalists, including representatives of international media, for questioning following last night’s protest in Skopje.
According to available information, the ban on drone usage was officially announced just before 8 PM, almost two hours after the protest had already begun. Additionally, the statements from the Ministry of Interior and the Civil Aviation Agency did not mention such a ban for the city of Skopje at all. This raises serious questions about the legal basis for the procedure against journalists.
According to the Regulation on Unmanned Aircraft (Article 7, Paragraph 1), certain zones can be restricted for security or other important reasons, but such decisions must be precisely defined and made publicly available in a timely manner.
The general application of the ban without prior notice and over an entire city, as in this case, is not in line with this legal framework.
In the public interest, we request the MoI and CAA to provide clear explanations for the following questions:
- Why was the drone ban announced only after the protest had already begun?
- According to the announcement, Skopje was not included, yet journalists were still summoned for questioning?
- On what legal basis are entire cities covered, instead of specific zones as stipulated by the bylaws?
- Why were the media not informed of the restrictions in a timely manner?
We expect institutions to act transparently and in accordance with the laws, in order to avoid actions that could be interpreted as limiting the work of media workers and media freedom, especially for events of high public interest.
At the same time, we appeal to journalists using drones to do so responsibly and with care, without disturbing families and loved ones going through a difficult period, especially in the coming days when funerals of the deceased will be held.
Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM)
Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM)
