The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the latest coordinated bot attack against the Instagram profiles of “Sloboden Pechat” in North Macedonia on 13 October 2026.
This is the fifth such attack against the media outlet in less than a year, following the same pattern of coordinated activity by large numbers of fake profiles.
These attacks are not ordinary online activity. They represent a form of digital pressure aimed at disrupting the work and visibility of an independent media outlet.
By manipulating platform algorithms, coordinated bot networks can reduce the reach of journalistic content, restrict access to audiences and potentially lead to account restrictions or suspension. This could also have broader implications for media freedom, as repeated and coordinated attacks of this kind may intimidate journalists, undermine public trust in independent media, and restrict the free flow of information.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in North Macedonia to investigate all attacks against “Sloboden Pechat” as part of a possible coordinated pattern and to identify those responsible.
We also call on Meta to respond more effectively to such attacks, detect and dismantle coordinated networks of fake accounts, and provide timely support to media outlets targeted by coordinated digital attacks.
Similar attacks have been reported in Serbia and Albania, highlighting the alarming regional scope of this trend that demands greater attention and raising serious concerns.
Digital attacks must not become a new form of censorship. Journalists and media outlets must be able to work and communicate with the public without intimidation or coordinated interference.
The SafeJournalists Network stands in solidarity with the affected journalists and will closely monitor the authorities’ response.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 15 October 2026
Association of Journalists of Albania
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
