7 July 2014

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), condemns the arrest of Besim Ibrahimi, a journalist of the daily paper Lajm

Link: SEEMO

Ibrahimi was arrested on 5 July 2014 while covering a public event in Skopje, on suspicion that he was taking part in the violent protests. He has been accused of interfering with police officers while they were performing their duty, which he categorically denies.

Ibrahimi claims that he was arrested and beaten with a baton by a police officer, who also offended him on the basis of his nationality. He was released from detention 24 hours later, after strong objections from local and international media and human rights organisations.

SEEMO is calling authorities in Macedonia to investigate this case and stop this practices towards journalists and media workers.

„Journalists must be allowed to do their job professionally and without interference. Media plays an important role in the democratic process, and is necessary for a free society.“, SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic stated.

 

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso and its partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. The project's page: Safety Net for European Journalists.A Transnational Support Network for Media Freedom in Italy and South-east Europe.