Condemnation of the smear campaign against independent media and threats against journalists
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) strongly condemn the ongoing smear campaign targeting independent and critical media. This campaign, further intensified on social media, aims to discredit media outlets and journalists who consistently expose corruption, abuse of power, and other issues of public interest.
The false narrative that these media outlets received funding from USAID to undermine democracy is an attempt to delegitimize their work, even though their reporting has led to legal reforms, criminal investigations, and sanctions against those responsible for various abuses. These media smear campaigns aim solely to silence independent and critical journalism and undermine citizens’ trust in the media.
The smear campaign is further escalating on social media, where it incites hatred towards journalists, including misogynistic attacks and threats against female journalists. Such rhetoric not only potentially endangers the safety of individuals, but also creates a climate of fear, which directly discourages free and professional journalism.
International legal standards, including those established by the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, clearly indicate that attacks on journalists pose a threat to democracy and media freedom. We recall that with the recent amendments to the Criminal Code, journalists in Macedonia have the status of officials in the performance of their professional duties.
AJM and SSNM call on the competent institutions to ensure the protection of journalists from harassment and threats and call on the public to reject disinformation and support independent media work, which is essential for democracy and the accountability of institutions and politicians.
