On 5 October 2024 one Croatian minister allegedly launched an online attack against journalist and columnist, Ante Tomić, sparking widespread concern about the state of press freedom in Croatia. The controversy arose after several media outlets, including Tomić’s column in Jutarnji list (https://www.jutarnji.hr/), published critical reports on a minister’s decision to appoint four highly paid advisers. In a response on his Facebook page, the minister described critical journalists as “semi-literate” and “paid mercenaries” “who work not to contribute but to destroy any attempt to step forward”
You can read the column mentioned here: https://www.jutarnji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska/ovo-je-kolumna-ante-tomica-zbog-koje-je-podivljao-ministar-prvi-mu-reze-meso-da-se-ne-udavi-drugi-muti-cedevitu-15509020
In the post Tomić was called a “communist militant” and a “bucket journalist,” referencing a shocking 2014 attack. This metaphorical use of the previous attack aimed to further discredit the journalist, accusing him of undermining the minister’s work.
Tomić criticized excessive salaries for advisers in a time of economic challenges.
Public figures have a responsibility to engage with the media constructively, and this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining respect for journalistic independence and the critical role it plays in holding those in power accountable. Many in Croatia are now awaiting a public statement from the government to address the politician’s remarks and demonstrate a commitment to upholding press freedom in the country.
Ante Tomić is a Croatian journalist, columnist, and novelist known for his satirical and humorous writing. Born in 1970 in Split, Croatia, he has gained recognition for his sharp critiques of political and social issues in Croatia. A regular contributor to Jutarnji List, Tomić uses his platform to challenge political figures and societal norms, often sparking controversy. His notable works include novels such as Što je muškarac bez brkova (What’s a Man Without a Mustache?), which was adapted into a film. he was facing several times attacks.
In 2014, someone threw a bucket of faeces at Anto Tomić on the street in Split.
In 2016 he was attacked in Split when he was walking with a friend by two people, one of whom hit his friend, and his hat was stolen.
Tomić remains an influential figure in Croatian media, known for his fearless commentary and wit.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent online targeting of journalists, and especially of Ante Tomić by a Croatian minister. The use of inflammatory rhetoric and derogatory remarks from a high-ranking government official not only threatens the safety and well-being of journalists but also undermines press freedom in Croatia. Such hostile language can incite further violence and hostility towards media professionals, which is unacceptable in a democratic society. The Croatian government must urgently react after a member of this government was targeting journalists.
SEEMO will be closely monitoring the situation and urges Croatian authorities to publicly condemn these attacks and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of reprisal.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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