Georgia’s public broadcaster has been turned into a govt mouthpiece. In this MFRR interview, former GPB producer Tamar Mshvenieradze describes censorship and political pressure from inside the newsroom, and why independent media now face a critical moment. https://ow.ly/baSj50Y9NBE

🚨 Every day, we monitor press freedom in Europe and log new alerts as they happen. Journalists continue to face threats, intimidation and attacks, often without any accountability. Our roundup brings together some of the cases recorded this week: www.mappingmediafreedom.org Here are a few of them.

New proposals in #Georgia would expand the definition of “grants” to cover journalism, research, and expertise, threatening independent media with criminal penalties. MFRR urges the parliament to scrap the plans and calls for strong international pressure. https://ow.ly/NLFF50Y7rHn

From political attacks to online intimidation, Emilia Șercan describes how evidence-based reporting triggered coordinated retaliation. Her interview with MFRR highlights the cost of holding power to account: https://youtu.be/-gWnTvPPZiE

The MFRR offers temporary relocation in Leipzig for journalists facing harassment or intimidation as a direct result of their reporting. This creates a safe environment in which journalists can recover and continue their work without exposure to risks. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/

Investigative journalist Emilia Șercan speaks to MFRR about the smear campaigns, harassment, and death threats she faced after exposing alleged plagiarism by Romania’s justice minister. Watch the interview 👇 https://youtu.be/-gWnTvPPZiE

MFRR condemns proposed new funding restrictions in #Georgia that would criminalise foreign-linked support for media and journalists. The fast-tracked amendments risk fines, forced labour, or prison sentences of up to 6 years for legitimate journalistic work. https://ow.ly/BjS550Y7rwW

La libertad de prensa en Europa ya no es un hecho garantizado. Ataques legales, presiones políticas y vigilancia digital marcan el terreno. Hoy conversamos con Elena Rodina, coordinadora del MFRR, sobre cómo se defienden los medios en este contexto. https://ow.ly/psZt50Y66sG

🚨 Our weekly roundup of press freedom violations! Across Europe, journalists continue to face threats, intimidation, and attacks often with little or no accountability. The latest cases reported show how persistent and systemic these risks are: www.mappingmediafreedom.org Here are some of them 🧵

Poland’s draft Broadcasting Law reform is a welcome step towards implementing the European Media Freedom Act. We submitted an MFRR opinion welcoming moves to depoliticise media regulation, while warning of gaps that still threaten independence. https://ow.ly/nNRQ50Y4InH

MFRR partners have contributed to the EU’s 2026 Rule of Law report, submitting evidence on media freedom in 15 Member States and candidate countries. The submissions document attacks on journalists, stalled reforms and gaps in EMFA implementation. https://ow.ly/brbF50Y4ceM

MFRR welcomes the Democracy Shield’s focus on journalist safety and anti-SLAPP measures, but stresses the need for concrete implementation, enforcement and long-term funding for independent media. https://ow.ly/YrCX50Y4c7k

MFRR welcomes the European Democracy Shield draft report and its recognition of rising attacks on journalists. Political priorities are clear, now we need concrete actions, timelines and enforcement to protect media freedom and independent journalism. https://ow.ly/eWM450Y1KaH

MFRR welcomes the Court of Appeal decision upholding life sentences for the men who supplied the bomb used to kill Daphne Caruana Galizia. A crucial step against impunity, but full justice requires accountability for everyone involved. https://ow.ly/pmw550Y1Kfn

The SafeJournalists Network condemns the excessive use of force by members of the Ministry of Interior units during an intervention at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, where journalists reporting from the scene also became targets of physical violence. https://ow.ly/HktP50Y1H6b

⚡ The MFRR partners welcome #Malta appeal court decision confirming convictions of Robert Agius and Jamie Vella in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. A key step against impunity. We continue to monitor the case and call for full justice.

MFRR partners have written to High Representative Christian Schmidt urging urgent action to save BHRT, BiH’s public broadcaster. Political inaction has pushed it to the brink, threatening independent information ahead of the 2026 elections. https://ow.ly/XVQ950Y149I

As part of MFRR, our partner International Press Institute (IPI) condemns the arrest of journalist Nedim Oruç in Turkey and calls for his immediate release. Detained for his reporting, he is facing terror charges for doing his job. Journalism is not a crime. https://ow.ly/5f1B50Y0CNr

Political pressure on Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT is now being debated in the European Parliament. MFRR remains concerned about attempts to weaken safeguards for independent public service media and urges full respect for the #EMFA. www.mfrr.eu/lithuania-me...

One year after her arrest, the Media Freedom Rapid Response calls for the immediate release of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli. We will keep monitoring her case and advocating for her freedom: https://www.mfrr.eu/georgia-ahead-of-verdict-press-freedom-groups-renew-call-for-mzia-amaglobelis-release/

As Czechia’s new govt prepares to reshape the funding and governance of its public broadcasters, we caution that replacing the licence fee with state budget funding would expose ČT and ČRo to political pressure and weaken the editorial independence. www.mfrr.eu/czechia-medi...

🌟 We offer up to six months of protection for journalists who need temporary relocation. With a stipend, furnished housing, professional training, and direct support from European Centre for Press and Media Freedom it enables meaningful recovery and continued work. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/

Sliding into the holidays with a blunt wrap-up: 🌟 1190 verified alerts 🌟 1959 journalists affected 🌟 attacks mainly happened in Serbia, Georgia, Ukraine 🌟 online abuse now the top threat MFRR missions, legal defence, and direct support won’t slow in 2026. Enjoy the break 🎄

Our new MFRR Summit 2025 report shows how journalists face harassment, financial strain, police abuse, spyware, troll armies, and smear campaigns. But it also mapped out solutions across 5 pillars of media resilience 👇 https://www.mfrr.eu/mfrr-summit-2025-report-on-media-freedom-in-europe/

Over 60 political prisoners. 31 journalists arrested. 117 attacks on media freedom. This is today’s Georgia. In this webinar, speakers unpacked how journalists and writers, including Mzia Amaglobeli and poet Zviad Ratiani, are being jailed for dissent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUGka6xSqsk

Georgia is imprisoning journalists and writers for dissent. This webinar examines the systematic crackdown on media freedom, the capture of the judiciary, and how dissent is being criminalised. Watch the recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUGka6xSqsk

Journalists and human rights defenders fleeing persecution must not be returned to danger. The EU’s new return policy undermines press freedom and human rights obligations. This must change. https://www.mfrr.eu/eus-dangerous-return-hubs-policy-a-threat-to-journalists-in-exile/

MFRR welcomes the @ec.europa.eu’s infringement action against Hungary over #EMFA violations. The findings confirm years of evidence: media capture, political interference, distorted state advertising, and zero alignment with EU media freedom rules. www.mfrr.eu/hungary-ipi-...

We are now starting! Register to join the discussion 👇 https://www.mfrr.eu/jailed-for-dissent-georgian-journalists-and-writers-under-crackdown/

Happening today at 11:00 CET ⏰ “Jailed for Dissent – Georgian Journalists and Writers Under Crackdown.”: https://ow.ly/ch3e50XGIQ7 Mzia Amaglobeli’s imprisonment exposes Georgia’s political use of the courts against journalists and pro-EU voices. Join us and PEN International.

Journalism across Europe is underfunded, targeted, and increasingly attacked with sophisticated digital tools. Our MFRR Summit 2025 report captures how experts and journalists are pushing back, shaping policy, and strengthening safeguards across the EU. Check it out! www.mfrr.eu/mfrr-summit-...

🇬🇪 #Georgia: Join a discussion on Friday, 12 December, hosted by @mediafreedomeu.bsky.social in partnership with @peninternational.bsky.social, about the escalating crackdown on dissent in Georgia. Register here👇

🌟 We offer up to six months of protection and stability for journalists who need temporary relocation. With a stipend, furnished housing, training, and support from European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, it enables meaningful recovery and continued investigations. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/

Once a regional democratic example, Georgia is sliding toward full authoritarianism. Join us, PEN International, and our experts on 12 December as they lay out the facts and pathways for resistance: https://www.mfrr.eu/jailed-for-dissent-georgian-journalists-and-writers-under-crackdown/ #FreeMzia

Our monitoring depends on contributions from individuals across Europe. If you know of a media freedom violation, submit it through our form. Include as much detail as possible, as this supports our experts in verifying and assessing each alert. https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/

We are at the University of Cologne attending “How to defend Human Rights Defenders?”. Authoritarian govts hit journalists too often. Protecting human rights defenders is inseparable from defending press freedom. Frontline voices from Afghanistan, Russia, Zimbabwe are making the stakes clear.

Dozens of Georgian journalists are behind bars under fabricated charges. The judiciary is being weaponised against dissent. Learn what the international community can do at our next webinar in collaboration with PEN International: https://ow.ly/Cq2z50XGg9t

The MFRR offers temporary relocation in Leipzig for journalists facing harassment or intimidation as a direct result of their reporting. This creates a safe environment in which journalists can recover and continue their work without exposure to risks. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/

Georgia is jailing journalists for doing their job. Join the discussion on #MziaAmaglobeli’s imprisonment, the wave of arrests since 2024 & how to defend media freedom. Organised by @mediafreedomeu.bsky.social in partnership with us. www.mfrr.eu/jailed-for-d... #FreeMzia #DayoftheImprisonedWriter

Georgia is jailing journalists for doing their job. Join our discussion on Mzia Amaglobeli’s imprisonment, the wave of arrests after the 2024 protests, and how to defend media freedom before authoritarianism becomes irreversible: https://ow.ly/W1Km50XFEf2 #FreeMzia

MFRR warns of rising political pressure on #Lithuania’s public broadcaster LRT. Proposed amendments would freeze its budget and weaken protections against political interference in leadership. These changes contradict EU media freedom standards. www.mfrr.eu/lithuania-me...

MFRR warns of political pressure against Novosti, Croatia’s only Serb minority weekly. Threats to cut funding and interference in the Council for National Minorities violate core media freedom standards. We urge the govt to stop the pressure and protect minority media. www.mfrr.eu/open-letter-...

The debate on press freedom is evolving fast. Our YouTube channel brings together experts, journalists, and advocates to break it all down. Watch the newest sessions and join the conversation: https://www.youtube.com/@mediafreedomrapidresponse/videos

Legal intimidation is increasingly used to silence journalists. The MFRR offers access to legal advice, strategic guidance, and assistance with litigation to ensure media workers are not left to face these challenges alone. Request support today 👇 https://www.mfrr.eu/support/legal-support/

You can help us by reporting media freedom violations. If you know of an incident that hasn’t been documented yet, you can submit it using our online form. Reports can be anonymous, but detailed info and links to sources help us verify each case. https://www.mappingmediafreedom.org/report-it/

Across Europe, journalists confront risks that demand reliable, practical backing. The MFRR offers legal defence, emergency assistance, residencies, and training so media workers can stay safe and continue their essential work. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/

If you work in journalism, media policy, or human rights, the MFRR YouTube channel is worth your time. Our webinars cover the challenges and realities facing press freedom today. Explore the content: https://www.youtube.com/@mediafreedomrapidresponse/videos

Journalists across Europe continue to face legal pressure designed to obstruct their reporting. The MFRR provides legal support to help them navigate threats, access expert guidance, and defend their right to inform the public. Apply for support 👇 https://www.mfrr.eu/support/legal-support/

Yesterday, on day 2 of our mission to Turkey, we met CHP Vice Chair Burhanettin Bulut. We addressed the impact of Law 5651, state interference in media, and the need to reform RTÜK. Bulut was clear: the regulator must uphold standards and regulate, not punish. Our work continues.

The MFRR provides steady support to journalists and media workers facing legal, physical, and psychological threats. This assistance ensures you can continue reporting with confidence, even under mounting pressure. https://www.mfrr.eu/support/