An EU court reformer said the measures give court presidents more power over judges and made it harder for prosecutors to maintain their independence. BELGRADE, Serbia (AFP) — Serbia’s president signed controversial justice laws Friday, despite experts warning they would undermine judicial independence and Brussels saying they were “a step back” on the path to…

S erbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday signed controversial justice laws despite warnings from legal experts that the changes would undermine judicial independence and criticism from Brussels that they represent a step backward on the country’s path toward European Union membership. Critics say the amendments give court presidents greater authority over judges and remove safeguards…

Freedom of expression represents one of the most important political rights of the 21st century. It is a fundamental freedom for the development of a democratic society and one of the essential preconditions for its progress and advancement. At a time when the media face threats to their very existence precisely because they express critical…