The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) partners strongly condemn the arrest of Swedish journalist Joakim Medin on terrorism charges in Turkey and call for his immediate release. This is the latest incident amidst the ongoing crackdown on press freedom in which dozens of journalists have been arrested and beaten.
Press freedom in Serbia faces a major threat as Amnesty confirms Pegasus spyware attacks on BIRN journalists.
The MFRR will visit Serbia from April 7-9 to assess worsening media freedom conditions in Belgrade and Novi Sad, engaging with journalists, officials, and civil society.
Supporting and protecting journalists and media workers in EU Member States and candidate countries.
What is the MFRR
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) tracks, monitors and reacts to violations of press and media freedom in EU Member States and Candidate Countries. This project provides legal and practical support, public advocacy and information to protect journalists and media workers. The MFRR is organised by an alliance led by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) including ARTICLE 19 Europe, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), International Press Institute (IPI) and CCI/Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBC Transeuropa). The project commenced in 2020 and is co-funded by the European Commission.
Support
The MFRR offers tangible and frontline support to journalists and media workers in EU member states, candidate countries and Ukraine who are at risk due to their work. This includes support for legal defence and opinion, emergency support such as covering travel, psychological support and family costs, offering residencies in Germany and Italy, and delivering and supporting training across the continent. This support is in place to ensure that journalists and media workers can continue their work and be protected from harm.
Monitor
The MFRR deploys a systematic and comprehensive monitoring of press and media violations in all EU member states and candidate countries to guide and direct all responses to defend press and media freedom and protect journalists and media workers. All threats can be viewed on the Mapping Media Freedom platform and form the basis of our legal, protection and advocacy work across the continent. By capturing and presenting every threat, whether legal, physical, psychological or a form of censorship, the MFRR encourages further advocacy and public support for greater protections for all journalists and media workers.
Advocate
As part of this work, the MFRR coordinates fact-finding, advocacy and fast-response missions to source first hand documentation and information to support out work; engage with national governments, European institutions and other bodies; host public and expert events; and coordinate public campaigns to secure greater awareness and public engagement to stand in solidarity with journalists and media workers across the continent.
Reports, statements and resources
The MFRR produces statements, reports, open letters and resources to defend press and media freedom and protect journalists and media workers across EU member states and candidate countries. Visit the MFRR library to read everything the MFRR and its partners have produced
