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European Court Blames Russia for Journalist Abuses in Ukraine

10/4/2025

37 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The European Court of Human Rights held Russia responsible for abuses against journalists in occupied Ukraine.
The Council of Europe urged release of detained journalists, including 26 Ukrainian reporters held by Russia.
A smear campaign against Serbian journalists emerged, with threats linked to fabricated narratives by public officials.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlight record applications.

History

Historical Context

Since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, human rights abuses against journalists have escalated, with over 100 reported threats or acts of violence. This mirrors historical patterns of media repression in Russia, particularly under Vladimir Putin's regime, where the country ranked 147th in the World Press Freedom Index in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for international accountability in safeguarding journalistic integrity.

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Story summary

The European Court of Human Rights held Russia responsible for abuses against journalists in occupied Ukraine.
The Council of Europe urged release of detained journalists, including 26 Ukrainian reporters held by Russia.
A smear campaign against Serbian journalists emerged, with threats linked to fabricated narratives by public officials.
EU Investigative Journalism Awards 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina highlight record applications.

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