Tag: Hub

BIRN on Friday published an updated version of ‘Serbia on the Streets’, a comprehensive collection of reports by Balkan Insight about Serbia’s mass protest movement from November 2024 to the present.

The e-book is free to download in PDF and EPUB formats.

It opens with the first report published by Balkan Insight about the Novi Sad railway station disaster of November 1, 2024, which left 16 people dead – the initial spark for the protest movement.

In the aftermath of the disaster, people took to the streets all over Serbia, accusing the authorities of corruption and negligence – and then demanding snap elections.

The reports compiled in the e-book document how students took the lead in the movement with faculty occupations, street blockades, pickets, marches and rallies.

They also document how the authorities responded with a crackdown that raised allegation of heavy-handed policing and victimisation of protest supporters.

Analysis pieces, interviews and on-the-spot reportage articles look deeper into the issues raised by the protests.

“As the protest movement continues, one year on, Balkan Insight’s journalists continue to follow developments in the streets, the courts and the political arena. This e-book give important insights into a turbulent period in Serbian politics and society,” said Gentiana Murati, BIRN’s deputy regional director.

The e-book is available to download here.

Join us for a three-day workshop on the role of media and art in dealing with the past at the History Museum in Sarajevo.

Dates: December 2-5

Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Participants: up to 30 young people involved in activism, art or journalism (ages 18-30)

About the workshop

This interactive three-day workshop explores how media and art can become powerful tools for reconciliation and dealing with the past. Through carefully designed sessions, participants will gain practical knowledge and experience in the fields of intercultural reporting, storytelling and artistic activism (artivism), using creativity as a bridge for dialogue and understanding between communities.

The workshop will be led by experienced mentors in the fields of human rights, transitional justice, media and artistic activism, and participants will develop skills in:

• intercultural reporting and storytelling,
• designing artistic initiatives for reconciliation,
• practical dialogue and creative collaboration.

The workshop will end with a joint multimedia exhibition, which will present the works and reflections of the participants created during the three-day process. After the workshop, four participants will be selected to write media or literary texts that will unify the common messages and conclusions of the young workshop participants – giving voice to a new generation that believes in the power of dialogue and regional reconciliation.

Why participate?

• Learn directly from experts in the fields of media, arts and transitional justice
• Meet and collaborate with peers from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Explore Sarajevo through its cultural and historical layers
• Participate in a joint multimedia exhibition
• Strengthen your voice in building a democratic and empathetic society

Who can apply?

The call is open to young people aged 18 to 30 from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina who are:

• active in the field of media, arts or social activism,
• interested in creative storytelling and intercultural dialogue,
• motivated to use art and media as tools for social change and reconciliation.

When selecting participants, we will take into account equal geographical and gender

representation of participants from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to ensure a diversity of perspectives and experiences in working together.

How to apply?

Fill out the application form no later than November 20. Selected participants will be notified by November 24.

All participation costs (travel, accommodation and food) are covered. Together we reflect on the past through stories, creativity and cooperation.

REPORTING CULTURE – Connecting Communities for Change is implemented by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN Hub and Youth Initiative for Human Rights, in cooperation with the Regional office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Tirana, within the framework of “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans”, a project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.

The event opened with a presentation of the report, “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans.” Azem Kurtic, a journalist at BIRN and author of the Bosnia and Herzegovina country report, presented the key findings for Bosnia. The criminalization of defamation, the non-transparent use of surveillance cameras, and SLAPP lawsuits – most often used as tools to encourage journalists’ self-censorship – were among the issues highlighted in the report. The presentation sparked a discussion among participants, who shared their experiences, insights and perspectives on media freedom and digital rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fedja Kulenovic, from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo, led a session on the importance of self-protection in the digital environment. He discussed the evolution of digital threats, from phishing and spyware to the increasing use of artificial intelligence, covering topics such as identity protection, device security, tools for safe communication, and AI-related risks. He highlighted that connecting AI tools with various applications can lead to the unintentional exposure of sensitive data, emphasizing the importance of access control and regular permission reviews.

The second part of the event focused on digital rights. Selma Melez, a BIRN Bosnia journalist and country monitor for Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented findings from the 2025 digital rights violations monitoring activity. She noted that the most frequent cases involve online hate speech, disinformation, and online fraud, as well as AI-facilitated threats to digital freedoms, including image misuse and extortion, with children often being the primary victims.

The event concluded with a panel discussion, titled “The Importance of Safeguarding Digital Rights in Contemporary Social Practices,” moderated by Aida Ajanovic. Panelists included Maja Calovic, digital media expert at Mediacentar, hvale vale, a gender and digital rights expert, Nasir Muftic, lawyer and assistant professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Sarajevo, and Lejla Turcilo, professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo.

The discussion offered legal, media, academic and activist perspectives on digital rights, addressing topics such as the legal framework in Bosnia, media and platform accountability, balancing freedom of expression and regulation, forms of online gender-based violence, digital literacy, and ethics.

Participants were actively engaged throughout the panel, stressing the importance of such gatherings for fostering dialogue on issues crucial to protecting digital freedoms.

Thirty participants attended the event, including 18 women.

This event was a joint initiative of the EU-funded project “Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms” and the Open Society Foundation-funded project “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans.”

Workshop Overview and Participant Breakdown

Dates and place: 16 October 2025, Sarajevo

Number of participants per country:

BiH 25

Total number of participants: 25

The full findings and activities are available in the EDS Report, which can be accessed here.

BIRN hosted a panel session on October 11 in Athens entitled “Platform Bans on the Rise: Trends and Human Rights Implications in South East Europe”.

The panel opened an important conversation about the growing trend of platform bans in South-Eastern Europe and their impact on freedom of expression, political participation, and privacy rights. Drawing on BIRN’s regional monitoring of digital rights violations, it explored the timing and legal implications of bans, their impact on democratic processes, and strategies for safeguarding civic space.

The panel brought together a diverse group of experts and practitioners: Aida Mahmutović, Project Manager at BIRN Kosovo, Megi Reci, Digital Rights Research Lead at BIRN Hub, Snežana Nikčević, a civic-tech advocate at NGO 35mm, and Besmir Semanaj, a digital rights researcher and technology expert. The panel was moderated by Azra Milić, Digital Rights Programme Coordinator at BIRN Hub.

One of the central messages of the panel was that platform bans, though often presented as protective or regulatory measures, are being weaponized to shrink the civic space and limit fundamental rights. The speakers highlighted how these actions affect journalists, activists, and everyday users, underscoring the urgent need for more transparent, rights-based governance models in the digital space.

Reflecting on regional developments, Megi Reci noted: “While Turkey takes an assertive stance, using legal, technical, and informal means to ban or throttle platforms, hybrid regimes in Albania and Serbia echo some of these censorship and legal trends, despite their formal commitment to EU integration and digital policies focused on regulation over censorship. We agreed the WB6 can’t remain on the fence, and must choose between authoritarian control of the digital space or a transparent, rights-based governance models.”

The panel also emphasized the role of media in raising awareness and facilitating dialogue on digital rights issues. Aida Mahmutović reflected on the evolution of media engagement in these processes, noting: “Over the past decade, we have seen how the role of media and journalism has evolved at the global Internet Governance Forum from mere participation and reporting on outcomes to shaping the discussion and the agenda with our unique perspective. We were happy to see that also brought into the South East European region through the panels and workshops at SEEDIG 10.”

This year’s SEEDIG event, marking ten years of multistakeholder dialogue and collaboration on internet governance and digital policy, coincided with BIRN’s celebration of 20 years of defending democracy, media freedom, and human rights across Southeast Europe.

The panel in Athens was a powerful reminder of the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding these values and ensuring that the digital space remains open, inclusive, and grounded in human rights.

The programme offers plenary sessions, panel discussions and workshops aimed at empowering, educating and contributing to greater engagement in the field of digital rights in the Western Balkans. This marks the third year of the IFM organised as part of the Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms project.

What’s on the agenda?

Speakers and experts in their field will lead discussions on pressing issues, such as digital legislation (reform, regulation, weaponisation), unpack online scams across the Western Balkans and Turkey & institutional responses, misuse of AI in the context of disinformation and digital violence, political dissent and resistance online, online manipulation during elections and its influence on democratic processes, and surveillance & censorship.

At this year’s edition of IFM, attendees will also have the opportunity to join the launch of the new Digital Rights Violations Annual Report. The report provides an in-depth look at key findings across all monitored regions, highlights emerging trends based on data analysis and offers concrete recommendations to uphold human rights both online and offline.

Please note that the programme will be held in English.

Reasons to apply

The IFM 2025 in Pristina is a unique regional opportunity to engage with experts from different internet governance stakeholder groups, gain insights, and personally contribute to a future digital environment which is freer, safer and open for all.

This space is for you, whether you’re a digital rights activist, tech enthusiast, academic, journalist, internet policy pasionato or engaged netizen. Applications are open for individuals from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Governing digital space means that each voice counts in discussions that concern us all.

How to apply

Applications are now open but please note that the seats are limited. You can apply by completing this application form by October 19th, 2025, at 23:59 CET. BIRN will cover accommodation and travel expenses for selected participants from the above-mentioned countries. Only selected applicants will be contacted.

Important note: Participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to enter Kosovo, have to have a new biometric ID card.

We are looking forward to your applications.

If you have IFM 2025-related questions, please contact [email protected].

by Aleksandra Vrbica

Alongside hundreds of news organisations, media support associations and individuals from over 100 countries, the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is taking part in this year’s World News Day, which is aimed at raising awareness about the value of credible news reporting.

As part of the World News Day activities, BIRN is highlighting 12 of Balkan Insight’s most important investigations from the past 12 months. The stories include reports on journalists being targeted by law enforcement in Romania and by the intelligence service in Serbia, the torture of migrants in the Balkans by an armed Afghan gang and the escalation of arms shipments to Israel from Serbia.

Press freedom

Becoming the Story: How Journalists Are Being Targeted by Romanian Law Enforcement

This report reveals how journalists conducting public-interest investigations in Romania were put under surveillance by their targets with the help of law enforcement.

Silent Spying: How Serbian Intelligence Hacks Activists’ Phones – Without Them Knowing

A BIRN investigation supported by Amnesty International showed how Serbia’s domestic security agency has been unlocking activists’ phones using Israeli technology and installing a locally-developed spyware.

Serbia and Israel

Regardless of War Crimes Claims, Serbia’s Arms Sales to Israel Soar

Between 2023 and 2024, the value of Serbian arms sales to Israel rose from 1.4 million euros to 42.3 million. Belgrade shrugged off widespread accusations of Israeli war crimes in Gaza and calls from United Nations human rights experts for a halt to the delivery of deadly weapons, BIRN and Haaretz reported.

Billboards and Bullets: An Israeli Spin Doctor at the Service of Serbia

Israeli PR guru Srulik Einhorn worked to burnish the image of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, BIRN and Haaretz reported – facilitate the flow of Serbian arms to Israel’s war in Gaza. Wanted for questioning in Israel, Einhorn has set up shop in Belgrade.

The Balkan migrant route

As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans

According to Frontex, the EU’s border force, the number of ‘illegal migrants’ using the Balkan route to reach the European bloc has fallen. With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the routes that bring refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans.

BWK: The Armed Afghan Gang Terrorising Migrants, Refugees Crossing Bosnia

Amid heightened border security, an armed Afghan gang operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina has turned to kidnapping asylum seekers and demanding ransom payments from their families. Its tactics include physical abuse and sometimes rape.

Italy to Albania, and Back: A Migrant’s Journey Through Italy’s Asylum Experiment

Italy’s right-wing government called it a magic wand for the migrants arriving on its shores, but a deal with Albania to outsource and accelerate asylum processing has run afoul of Italian courts. One Bangladeshi’s story explains how it also makes migrants’ journeys even more traumatic.

‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania

Migrant workers from Africa told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen.

Operation Interceptor: How Bosnia’s Border Chief Created His Own Elite Unit

This report from Sarajevo details the creation of a shadowy, heavily-armed and potentially illegal police unit at the exclusive, 24-hour beck and call of the man who led Bosnia’s border police for nine years and is now a fugitive from arrest.

Corruption in the Balkans

School Scam: The Phantom Organisations Hoovering up Serbian Public Money

In 2022 and 2023, Serbia’s Education Ministry allocated almost 200,000 euros to 11 NGOs to organise violence prevention workshops in schools. BIRN has traced all the NGOs to the same small group of people – and found that most of the workshops never happened.

Wartime crimes

‘With Our Bare Hands’: The Roma Forced to Clean up Serbia’s Crimes in Kosovo

During the 1998-99 war in Kosovo, Roma municipal employees were forced to clean up the crimes committed by Serbian forces, carrying and disposing of corpses with their bare hands. Branded collaborators, they were targeted for revenge after the fighting finished.

China in the Balkans

Parallel Government: How Vucic Turned Serbia’s Constitution on its Head

The case of a Chinese-led power plant expansion in Serbia laid bare the extent to which President Aleksandar Vucic has upended the country’s constitution, creating an unofficial layer of government calling the shots in areas where legal experts say it has no jurisdiction whatsoever.

This year’s Global Gathering focused on topics such as the digital security of journalists and civil society, countering online censorship and surveillance, disinformation and internet governance. The event brought together participants from over 144 countries. Through numerous discussions, sessions, and exchanges of experience, it provided space for collectively exploring ways to counter the increasing threats to digital freedoms.

“Participating in the 2025 Global Gathering was a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and solidarity among civil society, researchers, journalists, and technologists, in the face of growing digital authoritarianism. We had the chance to discuss strategies for building resilience and improving our watchdog work on digital rights violations. This is especially critical now, as civil society and independent media around the world operate under growing pressure, not only from repressive regimes, but also from severe financial constraints. In this context, staying focused, adaptable, and united in our commitment to digital freedoms is not only urgent, but essential.”
– Megi Reci, Digital Rights Research Lead at BIRN

As part of our contribution to the event, BIRN hosted a two-hour booth where we showcased the results of the Digital Rights Programme and shared insights from Southeast Europe. We used the opportunity to raise awareness about key findings related to censorship and surveillance in the Western Balkans, based on research conducted in 2024 and early 2025.

“At the event, we contributed by sharing BIRN’s experience in developing and applying civic monitoring methodologies to document and respond to digital rights violations, particularly in hybrid regimes across South East Europe. We presented findings from our ongoing research into surveillance and censorship practices in the Western Balkans, highlighted the importance of protecting digital rights during elections and political unrest, and addressed the often overlooked collusion between state actors and private tech companies.”
– Megi Reci added.

This participation holds particular significance as BIRN marks 20 years of work in defending media freedom, transparency, and human rights across the region. Reflecting on this milestone, Digital Rights Programme Coordinator Azra Milić noted:

“Over two decades of BIRN’s work, we have witnessed how the nature of repression has shifted – increasingly moving into the digital environment. In response to these changes, BIRN established the Digital Rights Programme, recognising the growing need to protect digital freedoms.”

 

The project highlights the ongoing challenges of remembrance, decades after the armed conflicts ended in former Yugoslavia and amid the gaps in transitional justice.

The panel session, titled Concealed in Plain Sight: Transcribing Transitional Justice Data Between Remembrance and Erasure, explored how judicial archives and public memory can transform fragmented sites of remembrance into meaningful narratives.

“Bitter Land is not only a map. It’s an attempt to resist forgetting,” said Nejra Mulaomerovic, Senior Project Manager of the Balkan Transitional Justice programme.

“To piece together the fragments scattered in archives, in courtrooms and in the soil itself. By bringing these graves into the public space, we’re saying that these crimes cannot be hidden, these people cannot be erased, and memory cannot be denied.

“I invite you to explore the project online, but more importantly — to reflect on what it means for a society when even the dead are unsettled,” she said.

Three other speakers, Ismar Cirkinagic, Selma CatoviC Hughes, and Anita Karabasic, shared artistic explorations of war archives, examining memory, trauma, and collective commemoration.

ABOAGORA’s interdisciplinary format, combining keynote lectures, panel discussions, and performative sessions, provided a platform to bridge archival research, art, and public engagement, highlighting innovative ways to connect past atrocities with present-day memory.

ABOAGORA is an annual international event that promotes dialogue between the arts, humanities, and sciences, held in Turku, Finland.