In a letter, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers strongly condemn the public targeting of journalists by a former national television editor, who, through social media, has misused private photos to discredit them. They claim that journalists from media outlets such as the Investigative Reporting Lab, 360 Degrees, and BIRN Macedonia, as well as organizations working on human rights protection, have been subjected to unfounded accusations and conspiracy theories aimed at undermining their work. According to them, this deliberate stigmatization represents a serious attack on freedom of expression and independent journalism. They express particular concern over the incitement of hate speech and threats, with female journalists becoming specific targets of sexist and misogynistic abuse. They warn that some of the threatening comments come from individuals with criminal backgrounds, increasing safety concerns. They call on authorities to take immediate measures to protect media freedom and journalists’ safety. Read more here.
