The 2023 Journalist Safety Index was presented at the European Federation of Journalists’ Annual Assembly

Within the framework of the Annual Assembly of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) held in Pristina on 22-24 May 2024, researchers from seven countries presented the index for the level of safety of journalists from the Western Balkans for the past year 2023 at the panel discussion.

The representative of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM), Milan Spirovski, in the role of a senior project researcher, had his presentation where he presented the indicators and current trends from the Index in the context of the safety of journalists in North Macedonia. In front of a hundred delegates from over 40 European countries, he emphasized:

“Last year, the number of cases against journalists and media in North Macedonia decreased, but the general policy of impunity continues, especially in the area of old cases where the rights of journalists were violated. The lack of political will to elect new members of the Program Council of MRTV and the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and the stagnation in the context of establishing an independent fund for pluralism of media content are particularly worrying. Of particular concern is the fact of the return of state advertising in private media, as well as the growing trend of using strategic lawsuits against public participation, SLAPP lawsuits to silence journalists and media workers in the country.”

At the panel discussion titled “Fighting SLAPP Lawsuits”, AJM’s Executive Director, Dragan Sekulovski, also made a presentation, emphasizing that the fight against and resolution of SLAPP Lawsuits requires a multi-sectoral and broader approach that includes awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and a broader understanding. of SLAPP lawsuits and strong cooperation between media, civil society, and international partners. By taking these steps, we can better protect free speech and ensure that those who speak truth to power are not silenced.

The president of EFJ, Maja Sever shared that since the beginning of the war in Gaza, at least 109 journalists and media workers have been killed, several injured, and others are missing. “Behind the number of all murdered journalists are lives and families. It is important to express our solidarity and join forces,” Maja Sever emphasized. The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) is a full member of the European Federation of Journalists EFJ, which is the largest membership organization in Europe that represents over 320,000 journalists from 44 countries from 70 journalist associations and unions.