Mayor of Belgrade, Serbia, Aleksandar Šapić, also a senior official of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (Sprska Napredna Stranka), held a press conference on 24 October 2024 where he again targeted journalists from N1 (https://n1info.rs/) television, this time specifically focusing on N1 reporter Miodrag Sovilj. During the press conference, Šapić presented a board displaying statistics on Sovilj’s coverage, expressing his displeasure that N1’s reporting allegedly excluded key parts of his statements, instead featuring only selective segments.
Šapić proceeded to scrutinize Sovilj’s reporting, asserting that his own statements were misrepresented and taken out of context, insisting that the public be made aware of alleged manipulation. When N1 reporter Mladen Savatović attempted to explain the journalistic process, Šapić responded by stating that he would demonstrate how media works, continuing his criticism of journalists who report critically on his administration. In response, some reporters opted to leave the conference, unwilling to remain amid Šapić’s continued remarks.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NezavisnoUdruženje Srbije Novinara Srbije – https://nuns.rs/) and Journalists Association of Serbia (Udruženje Novinara Srbije – https://www.uns.org.rs/) had strongly condemned Šapić’s approach to the press, stating that he has a pattern of publicly targeting independent journalists. Rather than addressing journalistic inquiries, the mayor has repeatedly opted to criticize and demean reporters. This behavior, the associations warned, undermines democratic principles and could incite hostility toward the media.
There have also been anti-N1 graffiti seen around Belgrade, Serbia, which many believe may be inspired by statements made by Šapić during these public appearances.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the actions of Belgrade Mayor Aleksandar Šapić, who used his position to target and insult journalists, specifically those from the critical TV N1, during a public press conference. Šapić, instead to be open for all media,has been using public space for verbal attacks on critical journalists. Such attacks on journalists who are fulfilling their duty to inform the public are unacceptable in any democratic society. SEEMO urges political leaders to engage respectfully with the press and recognize the vital role that journalists play in upholding transparency and accountability. SEEMO will closely monitor this situation and continue advocating for the protection and respect of journalists’ rights.
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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