AJM and SSNM: Strong Condemnation of the Ongoing Attacks and Labeling of Journalists and Media Outlets

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) express serious concern and their strongest condemnation of the increasingly frequent public attacks, disqualifications, and labeling of journalists and media outlets by the political party SDSM. The most recent case concerns the public targeting and labeling of ALFA TV through party statements and public remarks, which constitutes direct pressure on the media outlet and its journalists.

In the recent period, through statements issued by party branches as well as public remarks by the party leader and other high-ranking party officials, a continuous practice of targeting journalists and media outlets has been observed. This directly undermines their professional integrity and creates a hostile environment toward media workers.

This phenomenon cannot and must not be treated as isolated incidents, but rather as a clear and troubling trend that contributes to the erosion of freedom of expression, media pluralism, and the safety of journalists. Public labeling and discrediting of journalists and newsrooms by political actors carries the risk of further stigmatization and may encourage additional pressure and attacks against media workers.

We emphasize that political parties should not communicate with the media and journalists in this manner. This type of political rhetoric and confrontation is unacceptable when directed at the media. Media outlets are not, and must not be treated as, political opponents. They should be allowed to freely and without pressure perform their autonomous journalistic role, in the interest of the public and democratic processes.

As professional organizations representing the rights and interests of journalists and media workers, we call on the political party SDSM, as well as all other political actors, to respect professional standards, the public interest, and the role of journalism in a democratic society, and to refrain from rhetoric that deepens distrust and pressure on the media.

AJM and SSNM will continue to closely monitor these developments and will respond whenever media freedom, professional integrity, and the safety of journalists are threatened.