AJM: The Verdict for Journalist Stojanovski is a Step Forward, but Justice for Journalists is Still Unfinished

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) welcomes the decision of the Basic Civil Court in Skopje, which establishes a violation of the right to freedom of expression of journalist Vlatko Stojanovski from the weekly “Focus,” regarding the case from April 27, 2017, in the Macedonian Parliament.

This court ruling, which followed the decision of the Constitutional Court from 2023, represents a significant step forward in domestic judicial practice and confirms that the state has an obligation to actively protect journalists in situations of risk. The Civil Court determined that Stojanovski was exposed to a hostile and dangerous environment while professionally performing his journalistic duty, and that institutions failed to take appropriate measures to ensure his safety, thereby violating his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression. The court issued a ruling on partial compensation for non-material damage, sending a clear message about the state’s responsibility to protect media workers.

Therefore, we want to emphasize the importance of this court ruling as a positive example of applying European standards for media freedom and encouraging journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear or pressure.

Compared to other similar cases from the events of April 27, 2017, for journalist Dušica Mrđa the lawsuit was partially granted, similar to Vlatko Stojanovski. For Goran Trpenoski, the repetition of the procedure was rejected, but a decision from the Appeal Court is pending after a submitted appeal. In the cases of colleagues Natasha Stojanovska, Biljana Nikolovska, as well as Igor Jankovski and Tome Angelovski, the proceedings are still ongoing before the Constitutional Court, after the Basic Court did not follow the guidance from previous constitutional court practice.

At this moment, the only cases with a positive outcome are those of Dushica Mrgja and Vlatko Stojanovski, but none of these judgments are final, while the rest remain, even after more than eight years, at various stages before the Macedonian courts.

These judicial examples highlight the urgent need for consistent application of European standards and the establishment of stable judicial practice that will protect journalists as bearers of public interest. Only in this way can an environment be ensured in which they can freely, safely, and professionally perform their role in democratic society.

AJM once again appeals to the competent institutions, including judicial bodies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to provide effective and proactive protection for journalists, guaranteeing their safety and the right to free expression under all circumstances.