Serbian Journalists’ Association condemns attacks and threats against reporters
JournalismPakistan.com | Published last month | JP Global Monitoring
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IJAS has condemned multiple attacks and threats targeting Serbian journalists, urging urgent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, and accountability for police negligence.Summary
BELGRADE — The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) has strongly condemned a series of violent attacks, intimidation, and threats targeting journalists from several Serbian news outlets. The organization has called for an immediate investigation, accountability of perpetrators, and a review of police conduct during the incidents, an IJAS statement said.
According to IJAS, Insajder journalist Nataša Mijušković was assaulted while reporting near the National Assembly of Serbia. A group of unidentified men in plain clothes allegedly threatened to harm her, forcing her to show her recorded footage. Despite identifying herself to police officers and holding valid press credentials, she was later advised by police to “call 192” instead of receiving on-the-spot protection.
In a separate case, photojournalists from Radio DIR were surrounded by unmarked men who demanded they delete footage and physically assaulted them. One journalist sought medical assistance, while another had a press ID torn from his neck. The lens of a camera was briefly taken and later recovered.
The association also reported that Danas journalist Vojin Radovanović was subjected to unlawful ID verification by police commander Marko Kričak, despite wearing a clearly visible press vest. Kričak reportedly photographed the journalist’s ID card, raising concerns about police overreach and targeting of reporters.
Additionally, N1 journalist Tatjana Aleksić received an online death threat through Instagram from an account identified as “Goran Savić.” The matter has been referred to the Special Department of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime.
IJAS highlighted that 2025 has seen a surge in attacks and threats against media workers, with most cases going unpunished. The group urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the public prosecutor to promptly identify and prosecute all individuals involved in these attacks, including those issuing online threats.
The association demanded an internal review of police conduct near the National Assembly and on Resavska Street, stressing that journalists must be allowed to report freely in public spaces. IJAS called on police units to respond immediately to threats against media professionals rather than deflecting responsibility.
IJAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected journalists by providing legal and psychological assistance and encouraged all media professionals to report incidents both to authorities and to the association.
Photo: AI-generated image symbolizing threats and intimidation faced by journalists in Serbia.
