AJM: Annual Report on Media Freedom and Journalists’ Safety for 2024 and the Journalists’ Safety Index Published

Progress in the legislative framework with amendments to the Criminal Code, the poor socioeconomic status of journalists with an emphasis on the local level, recommendations for improving the legal and practical protection of journalists, and the enhancement of labor rights for media professionals are just some of the data and information included in the annual report on the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists in the Republic of North Macedonia for 2024, presented by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM).

The annual report and the Index were presented in Skopje on June 26, 2025, and in Ohrid on July 8, 2025. The report shows that despite some positive legal changes, such as treating attacks on journalists as attacks on official persons, consistent application of these norms in practice is still needed. In 2024, there was a decrease in the number of attacks, but online threats—especially against journalists investigating corruption—as well as the increasing trend of SLAPP lawsuits against journalists and media outlets remain serious problems.

Among the most significant conclusions is the noted progress in the legislative framework, particularly with the amendments to the Criminal Code, which classify attacks on journalists as attacks on an official person. This change represents an important step toward institutional recognition of the importance of media workers’ safety. The appointment of special public prosecutors in Tetovo, Bitola, and Shtip, who will monitor cases related to attacks on journalists, is also noted as a positive development.

At the same time, the socioeconomic position of journalists remains fragile, especially at the local level where working conditions are the most difficult. AJM once again appeals for the establishment of a Fund for Free Media to support investigative and analytical journalism of public interest.

The report also contains specific recommendations to institutions for improving the legal and practical protection of journalists, increasing transparency and independence of the public service and regulatory bodies, as well as enhancing the labor rights of media professionals.

This report was prepared within the framework of the regional platform SafeJournalists.net, with the support of the European Commission, and is the result of research conducted using a joint methodology in seven countries of the Western Balkans. It is available in Macedonian, English, and Albanian.