AJM: Legal Uncertainty Puts Local Journalists at Risk

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) is closely monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings in which journalist Aneta Blazhevska from Bitola faces a defamation lawsuit filed by the director of the State Student Dormitory “Mirka Ginova” in Bitola.

We express our concern regarding the first-instance court ruling, which is troubling due to the Basic Court in Bitola’s apparent failure to adequately consider the actions taken by the Bitola Police Department and the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bitola toward the plaintiff in relation to the allegations presented in the journalist’s article. This case raises serious questions about the approach and standards applied in judicial processes involving journalists.

We emphasize that such legal actions and the treatment of local media and journalists will further undermine the already fragile freedom of journalists and media in local communities across the country. It is essential to ensure an environment where journalists can perform their duties freely and without fear of legal consequences, especially when reporting on matters of public interest.

AJM remains steadfast in its commitment and extends full support to our colleague Blazhevska and all journalists facing similar legal pressures. We will continue to advocate for justice, media freedom, and the protection of media workers.