September 12, 2024

12.09.2024 – Offensive Comments Towards Jugmedia Editor by a High Level Public Official in Leskovac in Serbia

Ivanović also recounted a recent press conference where she was prevented from asking questions. This person allegedly waved documents that supposedly detailed the funding Jugmedia had received over the past decade, further escalating the confrontation. Ivanović firmly denied these allegations, stating they were baseless and aimed at discrediting her and the portal.

This individual’s behavior is not only offensive but also contrary to the ethical standards expected of public officials. According to the Code of Conduct for Leskovac officials, they are required to act with respect and civility, treating media representatives without discrimination. The code explicitly states that an official must not behave in any manner that could degrade the reputation of the office they hold, either in public or in private life.

This incident underlines the need for public figures to respect both the press and the ethical guidelines that govern their behavior, ensuring a respectful and professional relationship with the media.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the derogatory remarks made by a public official in Leskovac against Milica Ivanović, editor of Jugmedia, and views these actions as a direct attack on press freedom and journalistic integrity. Such behavior from a public official is unacceptable and undermines the role of independent media. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this situation to ensure that press freedom is respected and that journalists can work without fear of personal attacks or intimidation. SEEMO supports also the Association of Journalists of Serbia (Udruženje novinara Srbije – UNS) that reported on this case.

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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