Conviction for obstructing the journalistic work of the KLAN television crew

The Journalists’ Association of Macedonia (AJM) condemns the action of an employee of the “8-mi Septemvri” hospital, who obstructed the journalistic team of KLAN TV in carrying out their work. Such attempts to limit the freedom of information represent a direct attack on media freedoms and the right of the public to be informed about issues of high public interest.

We remind you that with the latest amendments to the Criminal Code, attacks and obstruction of the work of journalists will be treated as an attack on an official and will be sanctioned accordingly. Any attempt to intimidate, obstruct or censor media workers is unacceptable and requires an immediate response from the competent institutions.

The topic of the problems of dialysis patients and their access to health services is of great importance for the citizens of the country and requires full transparency from the institutions. Instead of preventing media reporting, health authorities should ensure openness and accountability to the public, especially when it comes to issues that directly affect people’s lives and health.

We call on the competent institutions to investigate this situation and take appropriate measures to protect journalists in the performance of their professional duties. At the same time, we appeal to all public officials and employees of institutions to respect democratic principles and cooperate with the media in the interest of truth and transparency.

Freedom of the media is one of the foundations of a democratic society, and any attempt to restrict it is a threat to the right of citizens to be informed.