July 2008

Previously-Attacked Croatian Journalist Subjected to New Threats

Vienna, 10 July 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed about new threats issued against Dusan Miljus, a journalist for Jutarnji list, a Croatian daily.

According to the Croatian Journalists' Association, on 9 July, serious threats were communicated by telephone to a relative of Miljus, who was told that if Miljus did not "stop talking, other members of his family might get hurt". The unknown male caller then clearly indicated that he had information about Miljus's family members. Miljus was assaulted by two unknown assailants in front of his Zagreb home on June 2. In that attack, regarding which SEEMO issued a protest letter, he suffered a fractured left arm, a concussion and facial injuries. Miljus was also previously threatened by way of a paid advertisement in Vecernji List, when the sister of a murdered criminal convict issued an obituary for Miljus.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated that he was "alarmed about these new threats, and the police's continued failure to track the assailants responsible for the June attack on Miljus".    

SEEMO notes that these threats are not only attacks on personal freedoms, but also on investigative journalism and freedom of speech in general.  SEEMO urges Croatian authorities to do everything in their power to protect Miljus and his family, and to bring the attackers to justice.

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE SOUTH EAST EUROPE

Vienna, 10 July 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is concerned about several recent developments in the SEEMO region's media environment.

Political pressure was exerted on journalists in late June in Macedonia (Republic of Macedonia - Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), when Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski accused several correspondents from Brussels of "speculating to the expense of their own country" following his official visit to the country. Gruevski also suggested that the media should work in the country's interests.  SEEMO condemns such statements as an unacceptable attempt to impinge on journalistic independence, and emphasizes that journalists have a right to report what they see, including by articulating critical opinions and encouraging dynamic debate, which are vital in democratic societies.

SEEMO also expresses concern about the case of Boris Pejovic, a photojournalist for the Montenegrin daily Republika and the EPA press photo agency.  Pejovic was arrested by the police on 12 June at 12.30 pm, while reporting on a protest by workers of a local company.

During the protest, Pejovic and other journalists were asked to move to the side, from where they continued to cover the event.  A police officer then approached Pejovic, but refused to recognise his official press document, issued by Pejovic's newspaper. Pejovic was taken to a police office, where he remained for about one hour.  According to Pejovic, he was treated like "the worst criminal",  and was not permitted to call either his newspaper or a lawyer. As Pejovic reported, the police chief told him that he "has no rights", and that the policeman could apply physical force, without suffering any consequences. Pejovic was released without having received any sort of written document regarding the reasons for his arrest, but subsequently received an official communication indicating that he would be charged for an offence.

SEEMO condemns such behaviour by the police.  Journalists have the right to be present at events of public importance in order to report on them. SEEMO is especially concerned about the fact that Pejovic was arrested and not allowed to use the phone to call his lawyer.

SEEMO was also informed of a problematic Montenegrin draft law, the Law on Electronic Communications, which provides that the council members of the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services shall be appointed by the government. This clearly provides an opportunity for direct political influence on the media. SEEMO requests the parliament and the government of Montenegro to consider international standards and to propose a law that permits the media to remain independent.

SEEMO is alarmed about these cases, all of which involve pressure on journalists and the principle of freedom of expression. Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General, noted, "it is vital for journalists to be able to carry out their work in safety, and to be able to report freely on current affairs. Any attempts to influence media independence, whether by way of verbal or physical harassment, or by way of laws that don't conform to international standards, are unacceptable in modern society."

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SEEMO Expresses Concern About the Harassment of a Journalist In Front of a Public Building in Moldova

Vienna, 16 July 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), expresses concern about an attack against Ghenadie Brega, a cameraman for Eu TV in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.

According to information before SEEMO, on 9 July, Ghenadie Brega accompanied to the prosecutor's office an individual implicated in an inquiry into alleged Internet-based calls to overthrow the

government. Upon his arrival at the building, Brega was verbally and physically attacked by a person in civilian clothing. The attacker told Brega to leave, and repeatedly struck at his camera, even though Brega identified himself as a journalist and explained that he had the right to film in the public building.

Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General, condemned the incident as undue interference with the journalist's right to access information of public interest, and called for "an immediate investigation to identify the individual responsible for the attack."

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H.E. Kostas Karamanlis

Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Athens

Greece

Fax: +30 210 6715340

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

H.E. Prokopis Pavlopoulos

Minister for the Interior and Public Order

Athens

Greece

Fax: +30 210 6929764

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Vienna, 22 July 2008

Your Excellencies,

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), wishes to express its concern after the Greek authorities denied a group of journalists from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Republic of Macedonia) entry into the country.

According to information before SEEMO, on 19 July, journalists from TV A1, TV A2, Forum and Makedonsko sonce were on their way to report on a cultural event in northern Greece, and were bearing standard passports with regular Greek visas. However, at the border the journalists were denied entry with the explanation that they did not have the permission of the Greek government to report on the event. One journalist from Forum was denied entry although he had a journalist's visa. An offer to enter Greece as non-journalists, without their cameras and other technical equipment, was declined by the journalists. They were also told they could enter the country as journalists after the cultural event was over.

SEEMO condemns this move by the Greek authorities. Greece is a member of the European Union, and expected to uphold the right to press freedom, one of the pillars of democracy. Decisions like this prevent the ability of journalists to work freely and hinder the free flow of information. We urge Your Excellencies to do everything in your power to ensure that cases like this do not happen in the future.

Yours Sincerely,

Oliver Vujovic

SEEMO Secretary General

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FROM JANUARY - JUNE 2008 

January 2008

SEEMO PRESS RELEASE SLOVAKIA

Vienna, 23 January 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), would like to express its concern regarding a draft bill on ‘the periodical press and news agencies' in Slovakia, the so-called "press act".

According to information before SEEMO, on 9 January 2008, during the 75^th Slovak Republic government session, the Cabinet approved a new bill containing amendments to certain acts, such as the Right to Reply Act ("RRA"). While the right to a correction within eight days is taken from current law, the draft amendments state that if a person mentioned in an article sends a reply, this reply has to be published within three days, even if they provide no facts to repudiate the original article.

Moreover, the draft bill denies the editors the right to react to the reply. The bill also states that this reply must be published in the same place and be the same size as the original article.

SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said that "there is a potential threat in the wording of this bill, which leaves room for politicians to manipulate the media. This could force the media into self-censorship for fear of bankruptcy. This new law has an impact on editorial independence, and could be used as a means of self-promotion for the politicians," he added.SEEMO also warns that this law could jeopardise the right of publishers to receive commercial profit from their advertising space if the editor is forced to relinquish control of parts of his newspaper to individuals who may seek to use this legal right for their own ends.

SEEMO does, however, welcome the part of the bill that reduces maximum fines for print media and news agencies from SKK two million to SKK 200,000. This change is a welcome first step in creating a better media environment.   

Nevertheless, SEEMO would like to point out that, in order for a democratic society to be maintained, a free and vigorous public debate is necessary. For that to be possible, the politicians should receive less protection in the press than ordinary citizens, and these modifications to the RRA may well hinder this accepted principle.

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE: Attack on Journalist in Macedonia

(Republic of Macedonia - Former Yugoslavian Republic

of Macedonia)

Vienna, 30 January 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), strongly condemns the attempted murder of Goran Gavrilov, General Manager of the Stip-based Channel 77, a private radio station network with national coverage in Macedonia.  

According to information before SEEMO, Gavrilov was attacked by two armed persons in the night between 25 and 26 January in front of his home in Stip, eastern Macedonia. The masked assailants shot at him, but missed, and then violently beat him with metal rods.  Gavrilov was severely injured and received medical treatment in the Stip hospital. His wife, Emilija Gavrilova, believes that this attack was linked to Gavrilov' s work with regard to media regulations and reforms during the last 16 years and may present a direct threat to Channel 77's effort in developing media democracy in the region.  

Commenting on the incident, SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said "SEEMO strongly condemns the brutal attack on Gavrilov and stresses that a full investigation should be conducted by the Macedonian authorities. Every threat against a journalist in Macedonia is a threat against the fundamental principle of freedom of expression in this country. We will continue to follow this case and we hope that the police will solve it as soon as possible." 

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February 2008

SEEMO PRESS RELEASE KOSOVO

Vienna, 04 February 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is calling for reconsideration of the closing of TV Mitrovica in Kosovo.

According to information before SEEMO, the Independent Media Commission in Kosovo (IMC) terminated the licence of TV Mitrovica on 1 May 2007, and, by order of the Office of the Chief Executive of the IMC, confiscated the station's broadcasting equipment on 28 December 2007.

Nexhmedin Spahiu, owner of TV Mitrovica, indicated that the closure was related to irregularities in the range of its broadcasting signal, which is limited by regulation. According to Spahiu, past attempts to rectify the problem proved technologically unfeasible. Spahiu added that TV Mitrovica is not the only station that has been unable to fully comply with the relevant regulations.

While SEEMO encourages TV Mitrovica to comply with the IMC regulations on frequency, it urges regulators to adjust those regulations to the realities of the region. Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General, calls on IMC and TV Mitrovica to work together towards a concensus involving less drastic measures than the confiscation of broadcasting equipment and a station shut-down. The international community frowns on such excessive sanctions, which unduly undermine freedom of speech. 

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE CROATIA

Vienna, 20 February 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed by the recent death threat against Croatian journalist Drago Hedl.  

According to information before SEEMO, on 12 February 2008, Drago Hedl, editor of the Croatian weekly Feral Tribune, received a death threat by way of a letter sent to his home address. Hedl has actively investigated war crimes committed against civilians in the eastern city of Osijek in 1991. Several other individuals involved in the trial for war crimes over the civilian deaths received the same letter, which contained warnings and a drawing of a scull. 

SEEMO is deeply concerned about this occurrence, especially because Hedl's life has been threatened repeatedly in the past. Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General, said that "investigative journalists are an important link for democratic societies and should thus receive full support and protection from the state. We urge the authorities to take these threats seriously and to do everything in their power to resolve the situation and protect Hedl."  

SEEMO would also like to emphasize that these intimidations not only threaten the lives of individual journalists, but also impinge on the public's right to be informed and the principle of freedom of expression more generally. No democratic society can accept threats that impose self-censorship on journalists fearing for their lives. SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation, and urges the Croatian authorities to expeditiously investigate this case and ensure Hedl's protection.

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SEEMO PROTEST SERBIA

H.E. Vojislav Kostunica

Prime Minister of Serbia

Nemanjina 11

Belgrade

Serbia 

Fax: +381 11 3617 609

Vienna, 28 February 2008 

Your Excellency,  

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed about the recent wave of violent attacks on journalists in Serbia. 

According to information before SEEMO, journalists reporting on the protest "Kosovo je Srbija", held on 21 February 2008 as a reaction to Kosovo's proclamation of independence, were subjected to serious physical attacks. A photojournalist from Holland's NRC Handelsblad, Dirk-Jan Visser, sustained broken ribs, while two Russian journalists from Russia Today, an English-language TV station, also suffered physical injuries. In addition, the crew of Radio Televizija Srbije (RTS) was attacked during a separate protest.  

In the meantime, Serbian radio and television station B92 has received written threats ever since Kosovo's declaration of independence, including a montage video, posted on YouTube, which juxtaposed images of guns firing with footage of B92 anchors. On 20 February, B92 received a bomb threat by e-mail, forcing the staff's evacuation. The following day, protesters surrounded the B92 building at 6pm, trapping the staff inside until well after midnight. Thankfully, police officers managed to prevent attacks on the building.  

Moreover, according to information before SEEMO, on 25 February 2008, Milica Ivanovic, a journalist for Beta news agency and the newspaper Blic, was attacked while reporting on the unrest at the Mutivoda crossing between Serbia and Kosovo. When the journalist asked for protection from police officers standing nearby, her request was refused. According to reports, a B92 cameraman who was also present avoided harm by removing the station's logo from his camera after hearing members of the crowd asking about the B92 crew.  

SEEMO strongly condemns these repeated and targeted attacks on journalists in Serbia, as well as the failure of the police force to adequately protect them. Journalists must never become targets, regardless of their reporting style or their background. Furthermore, any attacks must carry consequences and be fully investigated.  We urge Your Excellency to do everything in your power to provide a secure environment for journalists, and to remind all involved of the importance of the media's freedom to report on current events, which ensures the Serbian people's right to information, and is a crucial element in a free democracy.  

We thank you for your attention. 

Yours sincerely,  

Oliver Vujovic

SEEMO Secretary General

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE MONTENEGRO

Vienna, 28 February 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), appeals to Montenegrian ex-president and former prime minister Milo Djukanovic to drop his one million Euro lawsuit against Vijesti, Montenegro's leading newspaper.

SEEMO first spoke out against the lawsuit when, on 6 September 2007, Milo Djukanovic pressed defamation charges against Zeljko Ivanovic, founder and director ofVijesti, a Podgorica-based daily, Ljubisa Mitrovic, the publication's editor-in-chief, as well as its publishing house, "Daily Press". Djukanovic is expected to return to the prime minister post.

SEEMO encourages Djukanovic to seize the opportunity provided by his new mandate by dropping all charges against the publication as a sign of good will. Such a move would constitute a first positive step, and serve as a signal that the government permits and even encourages freedom of speech, a vital aspect of true democracies.

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March 2008

SEEMO PRESS RELEASE ALBANIA

Vienna, 14 March 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), condemns the assault carried out by Member of Parliament (MP) Tom Doshi against Besar Likmeta, the Albania editor for the online publication Balkan Insight.

According to information received from The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Likmeta had been working on a series of articles, published on Balkan Insight, concerning forged diplomas in Albania. The investigated degrees included MP Tom Doshi's law degree from Tetovo University, an Albanian language university in The Republic of Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia). At the time, Doshi was still listing the degree on the official parliamentary website. The investigative reporting uncovered that Tetovo University had informed the Education Ministry that Doshi never completed his studies.

Soon thereafter, Doshi's CV was removed from the website of the Albanian parliament, and Likmeta arranged to meet Doshi at the Sheraton Hotel in Tirana in the late evening of March 10 for an interview. During the interview, Doshi demanded why Likmeta was investigating the story, commenting that it was "extremely brave" to pursue the matter. MP Arben Isaraj, who accompanied Doshi to the interview, asked Likmeta if he was "out of touch with reality". Doshi then attacked Likmeta, hitting him with a leather briefcase. The journalist sustained a black eye and his glasses were broken. When Likmeta tried to take statements from nearby witnesses after the assault, the hotel barman ordered him to leave.

SEEMO deplores this disturbing incident, and calls for a full investigation of the matter.

"Physical violence against journalists is never acceptable, but is particularly deplorable when carried out by a public official," said Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General. "Investigative journalists play a vital role in uncovering political malfeasance, and must be protected, not hindered, by states."

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE CROATIA

Vienna, 19 March 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is deeply concerned about the recent death threats against the Croatian journalist Vedran Strukar.

According to information made available to SEEMO, on 10 March, Strukar who is a journalist of the leading media company Europe Press Holding, received several SMS and phone calls expressing death threats. Strukar informed the police about the threats addressed to him and his family members. The threats are probably related on the article written by Strukar, sources said.

Commenting on the incident, SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said "SEEMO strongly condemns all threats against journalists as a violation of the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. I would like to urge an immediate and through investigation by the Croatian authorities”. 

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE CROATIA

Vienna, 27 March 2008 

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), joins the Croatian Journalists Association in its support for Zeljko Peratovic, freelance journalist and blogger, in his civil petition passed on 14 March 2008 to the Committee for Internal Politics and National Security and the Council for Civil Supervision of Intelligence Agencies in Croatia. In the petition, Peratovic is asking the authorities to protect his professional rights and freedoms and to cease the pressure to which the Security Intelligence Agency has exposed him to over the past few years.

Zeljko Peratovic was imprisoned on 17 October 2007. He was later released after spending 20 hours in police custody. SEEMO reacted to this case on 6 November 2007 with a protest to Croatian officials. According to the authorities in Zagreb at the time, Peratovic had allegedly published state secrets on his blog. The police confiscated his equipment and materials, including three PCs.

SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said, "Journalists should have the freedom to express themselves and do their job without pressure from State authorities, regardless of the media they work in. Freedom of expression is not only guaranteed by law, but is also the foundation for the democratic development of society. Journalists play an important role in any society by holding others accountable for their actions, and it makes no difference if they carry out this job using new media, such as blogs, or work in the traditional forms."

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE SERBIA

Vienna, 27 March 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI) is deeply concerned by the recent death threats against Momcilo Djorgovic, editor-in-chief of the Serbian weekly Nedeljni Telegraf,  and Danijela Milinkovic, assitant to the editor-in-chief.

According to information made available to SEEMO, on 24 March, a letter signed by the "red berets" arrived at the editorial office of the weekly. The "red berets" are the former Special Forces Corps of Serbia. According to the official press release issued by the Nedeljni Telegraf, the letter contained, besides many insults, threats adressed to Djorgovic and Milinkovic warning them to "take care that a bullet is not put through their heads," or that "they will be blown up." The editorial office informed the police of the threats.

Commenting on the incident, SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, said, "SEEMO strongly condemns all threats against journalists as a violation of the fundamental principle of freedom of expression. I would like to urge an immediate and through investigation by the Serbian authorities."

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE ALBANIA

Vienna, 27 March 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute, strongly criticises recent comments made by the Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, against journalists.

According to information before SEEMO, on 18 March 2008, Berisha insulted journalists during a government meeting that was not only carried out in front of reporters, but also broadcast live on television. The Prime Minister was commenting on coverage of an explosion that occurred in Gerdec, near Tirana, on 15 March 2008, and repeatedly insulted journalists reporting on this matter.

"We deeply criticise these events and this manner of communication," said SEEMO Secretary General, Oliver Vujovic, "particularly when it is carried out by public authorities." Vujovic continued, "SEEMO calls for and strongly supports the maintenance of a respectful environment for journalists and media in Albania, as in every other country, as such an environment is the cornerstone of a true democracy."

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April 2008

SEEMO/ IPI EXPRESSES CONCERN REGARDING THE AMENDED VERSION OF SLOVAKIA'S DRAFT PRESS ACT

Vienna, 1 April 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), remains concerned about pending legal changes to Slovakia's media law.

According to information before SEEMO, Slovakia's parliamentary Committee for Culture and the Media on 26 March 2008 recommended that the parliament approve the government's latest draft of the Press Act. SEEMO, which issued a statement regarding the initial version of the Draft Press Act on 23 January 2008, is disappointed that recommendations regarding limitations on the right of reply made by local Slovak media organisations, international non-governmental organizations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have not been incorporated into the amendments. The obligations prescribed in Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the Press Act fail to conform to the standards articulated by the Council of Europe, would grant politicians limitless access to publicity, and would seriously restrict media independence and editorial autonomy.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic commented, "while I welcome the changes made to previous versions of the law, these simply are not sufficiently far-reaching. The government's refusal to exclude some of the heavily-criticised provisions suggests that the law's real aim is to control Slovakian journalists. I hope Slovakia's parliamentarians will do their part to ensure that the final version of this law is more compatible with international standards and recommendations".

Mr. Vujovic also expressed support for the recent initiative by all five Slovak national dailies, both quality and tabloid, to run blank front pages in protest against the law, noting that the action underscored the need for further amendments to the pending legislation.

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE ROMANIA

IPI / SEEMO CRITICIZES TEMPORARY DETENTION OF ROMANIAN JOURNALIST

Vienna, 4 April 2008

The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), criticizes the recent police detention of Razvan Martin, program coordinator for the Press Monitoring Agency in Romania.

According to information before SEEMO, on 2 April 2008, Razvan Martin received a phone call from anti-globalisation protesters in Bucharest, who stated that the warehouse in which they were gathered for a workshop had been surrounded by the police and the Special Intervention Service. Martin notified the media about this development and arrived at the scene one hour later, when the police were already removing the detainees. Martin and his colleagues, who were on their way to a police station in order to secure legal assistance for the protestors, asked one of the policemen for directions. A policeman then used the car of both to take them to a different station for questioning. Martin notified the media of this from the car. He was never officially told that he was being detained, but was taken in for questioning like others in the area, and was released one and a half hours later, after announcing that he had a lawyer.

"Razvan Martin was at the scene as a Monitoring Agency coordinator and observer, and the police should have treated him as such," stated Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General. "The fact that he was not a member of the group of protesters at the time further confirms this. Special security steps and checks were expected because of the NATO summit that started on 2 April in Bucharest. However, even in these situations, the police must respect the free movement of media representatives and organisations".

"SEEMO deplores the fact that a member of the staff of the Media Monitoring Agency was constrained by the police, especially since he did not take part in the protest, but was merely an onlooker. All individuals have the right to express their opinions in a peaceful way, and the government must support this right, not interfere with it," Vujovic added.

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SEEMO PRESS RELEASE: REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA - FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

IPI / SEEMO ALARMED ABOUT DEATH THREATS TO MACEDONIAN JOURNALISTS

Vienna, 4 April 2008

 The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed about recent death threats against a group of Macedonian journalists.

According to information before SEEMO, several Macedonian journalists, professors and politicians received anonymous death threats warning that they would be "liquidated" if they did not stop being "anti-Macedonian" in current dialogues with Greece regarding the countries' dispute over the state's name. Some of the e-mails were signed by an organisation identifying itself as the "Macedonian guard". The e-mails containing these threats were aimed at a group of journalists from both print and electronic media in favour of reaching a compromise in the talks between the two neighbouring countries. The debate regarding the appropriate name for the Republic of Macedonia/Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia began with the break-up of former Yugoslavia, with Greece objecting to the name Macedonia because a Greek northern region bears the same name.

According to SEEMO's sources, the messages were sent by ultra-nationalist circles, and the targeted journalists refuse to be intimidated by the threats.

"Intimidating journalists and forcing them to self-censor their work is not acceptable", said Oliver Vujovic, SEEMO Secretary General. He added: "Vigorous political debates, which are vital in democratic societies, are possible only where people have access to a variety of opinions." SEEMO therefore strongly condemns these threats, and urges the authorities in Skopje to take action to ensure that the culprits are promptly identified.

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