Skopje, 31 January 2026 – The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services expresses serious concern over the first-instance court verdict issued on January 12 this year against journalist Liridona Vejseli, for “misuse of personal data” related to the publication of a judge’s first and last name on the social media platforms Instagram and TikTok.
Such a decision sends a negative signal regarding freedom of expression and media freedoms. The criminal prosecution of journalists for publishing information about holders of public office in the context of performing their professional duties places pressure on the media and restricts the public’s right to be informed.
All relevant stakeholders should actively contribute to ensuring conditions for the unhindered exercise of freedom of expression and the right to information, as well as to the protection of journalists and media freedoms.