Skopje, 4 November 2024 (MIA) – Urgent resolution of all open proceedings for violence against journalists, reforms as regards SLAPP suits and serious response by the Interior Ministry and the Public Prosecution Office to verbal violence, usually occurring on social media, are the demands of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (ZNM) issued on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (November 2).

Discussions at ZNM’s press conference on Monday included protection of reporters and impunity for threats and attacks on them.

This year, four violations of the rights of journalists were registered alongside numerous online threats and eight SLAPP suits, said ZNM President Mladen Chadikovski.

Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski noted that police and prosecuting bodies should investigate every physical threat against journalists. 

Saying he condemned any form of pressure against journalists, Chief State Public Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski confirmed that the prosecution has been taking all measures to investigate cases. 

Pavle Belovski, President of the Trade Union of Independent Journalists (SSNM), said that a lot remains to be done involving the safety of journalists and that online media report the least safe working conditions. 

Photo/video: MIA