On 4-5 March 2025, the Foreign Policy Centre (FPC), the Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ) and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) organised the UK Media Freedom Forum in partnership with the City, University of London. The Forum was realised in cooperation with the Safety of Journalists Platform of the Council of Europe, with additional support from UNESCO, OSCE and RPC.
The conference served as a platform to assess both current and emerging challenges while bringing together journalists, policymakers, academics, and civil society organizations to develop concrete policy recommendations. These efforts aim to enhance transparency and accountability on media freedom issues for the UK government and other national stakeholders.
On 5 March, during the conference, CoE’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists launched its 2025 Annual Report. The report highlights key areas of law, policy and practices affecting media freedom and the safety of journalists in Europe and identifies actions required to improve effective protection of journalists. The report is written by the Platform’s Partner Organisations, a coalition of fifteen press freedom NGOs and journalists’ associations.
ATTACKS ON MEDIA WORKERS IN ARMENIA AND MOLDOVA IN 2024
ARMENIA
A newly released report about attacks on journalists in Armenia in 2024 reveals that the total number of recorded attacks remained unchanged from 2023, with 163 incidents. Physical attacks on journalists increased fourfold, with most incidents occurring during coverage of mass protests. Non-physical threats and cyberattacks dropped from 46 cases in 2023 to 31 in 2024, with 74% attributed to government officials. Attacks through judicial or economic means remained relatively stable at 108 cases, with those initiated by government officials halved compared to the previous year.
MOLDOVA
In Moldova since 2017, non-physical and cyber-attacks make up the majority of incidents, 85% of the total. A significant portion of attacks occurred before and during the campaigns for the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on Moldova’s EU accession. In 2024, 44% of attacks came from individuals not affiliated with the authorities, while 20% were carried out by unknown persons, some using fake accounts. Meanwhile, attacks on Moldovan journalists by the separatist authorities in the Russian-controlled Transnistrian region included cases of illegal detentions and interrogations.
SUPPORT PRESS FREEDOM: RECEIVE A COPY OF JFJ’S 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Would you like to receive a physical copy of the Justice for Journalists Foundation’s annual report on attacks against media workers in 2024? Our comprehensive report sheds light on the threats journalists face and the urgent need to protect press freedom worldwide. To request a copy, please email us at info@jfj.fund for more details. We also welcome contributions to support our vital monitoring project – your donations help us continue documenting violations, raising awareness, and advocating for justice. Together, we can stand up for those who risk everything to keep the world informed.
JFJ INVESTIGATIVE GRANT PROGRAMME
- On 4 March, the documentary Of Caravan and the Dogs, supported by the JFJ Investigative Grant Programme, premiered on TVP Document channel in Poland. On 23 March, the documentary premiered in Paris, France, during the Another Russia Festival.
- On 9 March, the documentary Black Snow, supported by the JFJ Investigatie Grant Programme, was presented during the Athena Film Festival in New York. On 22 March, the Black Snow was showcased during the Annual Environmental Film Festival. On 30 March, the documentary was showcased during the Salem Film Festival, which brings together the world’s best independent documentaries.
- In March, the Black Snow won the International Green Film Award at the Cinema for Peace in Berlin, Germany. The initiative aims to influence perceptions and resolutions of global social, political, and humanitarian challenges through the power of film, paying a particular focus on opposing war and terror.
Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion in Ukraine, 2404 Foundation has been providing protective gear, security, and resilience training to journalists and civil society organizations working on the frontlines. They have trained over 1,200 journalists working in frontline areas in Ukraine.
Without your support, these safety programs will be at risk of closure, and journalists and aid workers on the front lines will be left vulnerable. Therefore, 2404 Foundation launched a crowdfunding campaign to provide safety and mental resilience training, security consultations, and access to a knowledge base for media and civil society organizations in Ukraine for the next 3 months. Follow the link to learn what you can do.