27.11.2024 – Ministry Condemns Attacks on Journalists in Serbia, Calls for Action

The Ministry of Information and Telecommunications in Serbia has issued a strong condemnation of two incidents targeting journalists in Serbia, underscoring the urgent need to protect press freedom and uphold the Law on Public Information and Media.

On 20 November 2024, incident unfolded in Belgrade, Serbia when journalists from the pro-governmental TV Informer (https://informer.rs/tv/live-tv) were subjected to harassment and physical assault by a group of demonstrators. While covering events in the city, reporters Branka Lazić, Lidija Makragić, Milica Škorić, and cameraman Nikola Palamarević faced verbal provocations before being physically attacked. The Ministry described the event as a grave infringement on journalistic rights, emphasizing that obstructing the press while they fulfill their professional duties is a severe violation of media law. It called for immediate legal actions against those responsible to ensure accountability and deterrence.

On the same day, a verbal attack was reported outside the courthouse in Novi Sad, Serbia. Emilija Marić, editor-in-chief of Novosadska Televizija (https://novosadska.tv/), became the target of insults and harassment while reporting on a protest involving a blockade of the prosecutor’s office and court premises. The Ministry highlighted the unacceptable nature of such conduct, stressing that journalists must be allowed to work without intimidation or violence.

In its statement, the Ministry condemned both incidents, calling them direct assaults on media freedom and the democratic right to free information. It urged citizens to respect the role of journalists and refrain from actions that obstruct their work or compromise their safety. The Ministry also demanded a prompt and effective response from law enforcement to hold the perpetrators accountable and reinforce protections for journalists.

These attacks have sparked significant concern from media organizations and advocacy groups. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that journalists can perform their duties free from fear and underscored the importance of safeguarding press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the recent attacks on journalists from TV Informer in Belgrade and the verbal harassment of Emilija Marić, of “Novosadska Televizija,” in Novi Sad. Such incidents represent blatant violations of press freedom and undermine the safety of media professionals in Serbia. SEEMO emphasizes the urgent need for authorities to ensure a safe environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. SEEMO will be closely monitoring these cases and calls for swift, transparent action against the perpetrators to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.

However SEEMO is asking the state officials in Serbia, including the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, to react in every case of an attack on journalists in Serbia. This form of reaction only if some journalists are attacked, is not a way of respecting press freedom and democracy in Serbia.

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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The trial of journalist Volha Radzivonava (Вольга Радзівонава) began on 16 November 2024 at the Minsk (Мінск) City Court, Belarus. Volha faces charges under multiple sections of the Belarusian Criminal Code, including discrediting the Republic of Belarus, inciting racial, national, religious, or social hostility, and insulting the President of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko (Аляксандр Рыгоравіч Лукашэнка). If convicted, she could face up to six years of restricted freedom or imprisonment.

Radzivonava was arrested on 7 March 2024, and during her detention at the Minsk remand center, she underwent medical evaluation at Navinki hospital in Minsk. Her arrest has had significant personal repercussions, as her mother, aged over 80 and in poor health, requires continuous care.

On 30 October 2024, Radzivonava was officially recognized as a political prisoner by human rights organizations.

The international community continues to monitor Radzivonava’s case closely, raising concerns over the implications for journalistic freedom and human rights in Belarus.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the ongoing trial against journalist Volha Radzivonava in Minsk, where she faces politically motivated charges, including defamation and incitement to discord, with a potential sentence of up to six years. SEEMO expresses its solidarity with Volha, recognizing her courageous journalistic work in a repressive environment. This trial represents a clear attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence independent voices in Belarus. SEEMO calls for her immediate release and urges Belarusian authorities to respect international standards of freedom of expression. SEEMO will closely monitor this case and advocate for justice for Volha Radzivonava.

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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On 13 November 2024 during a protest by residents in front of a Kosovo company in Ferizaj / Uroševac, Kosovo journalist Qliresa Hasani of local TV Festina (https://www.facebook.com/tvfestina/) allegedly faced both obstruction in carrying out her duties and derogatory sexist remarks. While reporting on the event, a company official allegedly hindered her work and made inappropriate comments, saying, that it is not allowed to film the institution’s building, unless she wants to take a picture with him. This unacceptable behavior not only disrupted Hasani’s journalistic duties but also targeted her dignity on both a professional and personal level.

The incident highlights a broader issue of gender-based discrimination against journalists and poses a severe violation of media freedom principles. The Kosovo Journalists Association (AJK – Asociacioni i Gazetarëve të Kosovës – https://www.agk-ks.org/en/ ) has strongly condemned this behavior, describing it as an attempt to undermine the journalist’s role in informing the public and an affront to the values of free and independent media.

This troubling event underscores the ongoing challenges journalists, especially women, face in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the sexist language and obstruction faced by journalist Qliresa Hasani during her coverage of a protest in Ferizaj / Uroševac, Kosovo. Such actions not only violate press freedom but also undermine professional and personal dignity, particularly through discriminatory behavior on a gender basis. SEEMO calls on the responsible company to take immediate disciplinary measures against the staff member involved and urges authorities to ensure journalists’ safety and freedom from intimidation or discrimination. SEEMO will continue to monitor this case closely to support media freedom and the protection of journalists in their professional roles.

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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The Basic Court in Loznica, Serbia, has convicted retired police officer of endangering the safety of Vladimir Mitrić, a journalist for Večernje Novosti (https://www.novosti.rs/c/tag/579/loznica) from Loznica. In a retrial held on 4 November 2024 the court sentenced this former policeman to a one-year prison term, suspended for six months, and imposed a three-year restraining order, prohibiting him from approaching or communicating with Mitrić.

This verdict is not yet final, as both the prosecution and this individual have the right to appeal.

In a prior ruling in February 2023, the former policeman was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined 40,000 RSD (341.92 EUR) for insulting Mitrić. However, the Šabac, Serbia, Higher Court overturned the part of the decision related to endangering safety, sending it back to the Loznica court for reconsideration. The defamation ruling, however, was upheld.

The policeman faced these charges due to an incident where he allegedly said that Mitrić will get beaten again for sure, while insulting Mitrić at a restaurant in 2022. After insulting him, the policeman then said to him allegedly according to media reports in Serbia, “That guy will beat him up again, I know for sure.”

The Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Loznica initiated charges for endangering safety under Article 138 of the Criminal Code, which defines such threats as punishable by fines or imprisonment. Mitrić filed a separate private lawsuit for defamation, and the court combined the cases into a single proceeding.

The court found that the policeman’s words triggered fear and anxiety in Mitrić, who has been under police protection since 2005 following a brutal attack outside his home. The judge highlighted Mitrić’s persistent sense of insecurity stemming from past events and emphasized that personal safety under the law also accounts for subjective feelings of threat.

Mitrić expressed relief over the court’s recognition of the former policeman guilt, emphasizing that the acknowledgment of wrongdoing and the detailed reasoning behind the judgment were more significant to him than the sentence itself.

Mitrić has faced threats and attacks throughout his career, including a 2005 incident where he was severely beaten after reporting on sensitive topics. The assault, carried out by a police officer, was described by Mitrić as an attempted murder. Despite extensive legal proceedings, the attacker received lenient sentences and avoided full accountability. Mitrić continues to face threats and harassment, including recent verbal abuse and threats to his safety. While the journalist acknowledges improvements in judicial impartiality and support from local police, his investigative work, which exposes corruption and crime, remains a source of danger. His persistent efforts have contributed to the exposure and prosecution of corrupt officials, highlighting the risks journalists face in holding powerful figures accountable. Vladimir Mitrić has lived under police protection for 18 years after being beaten in 2005.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) commends the Basic Court in Loznica, Serbia for delivering a decision that upholds justice and underscores the importance of protecting journalists from threats and harassment. The court’s acknowledgment of the harm caused to Vladimir Mitrić and its detailed reasoning in the judgment set a strong precedent for safeguarding freedom of the press. SEEMO will continue to monitor this case closely, ensuring that the rights and safety of journalists remain a priority in the judicial process.

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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Journalist Srđan Škoro has filed a lawsuit against the one Serbian Minister, following alleged accusations that Škoro incited violence against President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić’s son, Danilo Vučić. The Ministry’s official website published these claims on 8 July 2024.

According to Škoro’s lawyer, Ivan Ninić, the government’s dissemination of unproven accusations gravely damaged Škoro’s reputation. The legal complaint highlights that these false claims reached a vast audience both domestically and internationally, further impacting Škoro’s public image.

Ninić emphasizes that Škoro, as a private citizen, lacks the media influence or resources to effectively respond to a government official’s accusations. The lawsuit argues that this persons remarks, amplified by the Ministry’s widespread distribution, are a clear violation of Škoro’s rights. Consequently, Škoro is demanding 250,000 RSD (2,136.96 EUR) in compensation for the harm caused to his reputation and dignity.

Srđan Škoro, born on 17 May 1963 in Belgrade, Serbia, a historian and seasoned journalist. He started his journalism career in 1978 and worked for various Serbian print media, such as Duga, Politika Ekspres, and NIN (https://www.nin.rs/). He held editorial roles at Večernje Novosti (https://www.novosti.rs/c) and reported for Radio Politika. In 2014, he faced a dismissal from Večernje Novosti after criticizing the new Serbian government, leading to a legal battle in which courts ruled in his favor. He later engaged in political activism.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) will continue to monitor this case closely.

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.

#fyp #mediafreedom #seemo #freespeech #southeasteuropemediaorganisation#ngo #journalist #serbia #srdjanskoro #SEEMO #pressfreedom #mediafreedom #freemedia

Journalist Faik Akgün, founder of the news site Elazığ Gerçekleri (https://elaziggercekleri.com/) from Elazığ in Türkiye / Turkey, has faced life-threatening backlash after publishing a critical article about the poor state of the Sarayatik neighborhood in Elazığ, Türkiye / Turkey. In the 11 November 2024 piece, Akgün reported on complaints, including overflowing garbage and frequent water pipe issues, accusing local politician in power of prioritizing political activities over essential neighborhood services. The report featured photographs highlighting these problems.

After publishing the report, two local politicians allegedly sent Akgün a threatening messages. One was saying on social media, “We’ll meet eventually… sometimes accounts must be settled in this world.” Another local politician, echoed the hostility, warning Akgün that he was overstepping his bounds and that retreat was no longer an option. This person statement insinuated severe consequences for the journalist’s reporting.

Akgün took legal action, filing complaints with the Elazığ,Türkiye / Turkey Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. He also raised concerns about alleged political affiliations.

It is not the first time that Akgün received a threat. In 2022 he faced pressures when reporting on one controversial case about a medical student whose death was linked to intense religious pressure. Akgün reported about the student who committed suicide.

That investigation led to his dismissal from Günışığı (https://www.gunisigigazetesi.net/) newspaper and threats from religious groups. Even after launching Elazığ Gerçekleri to maintain his independence, Akgün has continued to encounter intimidation, such as being attacked while documenting police actions.

Despite the danger, Akgün asserts his commitment to journalism, emphasizing that he will not be silenced. His case has highlighted the broader challenges of press freedom in Türkiye / Turkey, with calls for stronger protection of journalists and investigations into the threats against him. Also the Turkish organization Bianet (https://bianet.org/) reported about this case.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the threats made against journalist Faik Akgün. Intimidation aimed at silencing journalists is unacceptable and poses a severe threat to press freedom. SEEMO calls on authorities to take immediate action to protect Akgün and ensure a safe environment for journalists. SEEMO will be closely monitoring this case to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and that the fundamental rights of media professionals are upheld.

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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During the “Reclaim Our Voice!” protest organized by women on 13 November 2024, near Georgia’s Central Election Commission in Tbilisi (თბილისი), Georgia, photojournalist and freelancer Vakho Kareli (ვახო ქარელი) faced obstruction from state authorities while covering the event. Despite repeatedly identifying himself as a member of the press, Kareli was forcibly removed from the area where the protest took place by a policeman with words: “If you’re a journalist, you shouldn’t be arrogant.” The protest was part of a broader demonstration against alleged electoral fraud connected to the October 2024 parliamentary elections.

Tensions arose as police prevented participants from blocking traffic, leading to confrontations. Kareli, who claims he was standing on the roadside alongside other reporters, recounted that a police officer allegedly acted aggressively and refused to explain the intervention, even attempting to forcibly relocate him. In response to the incident, Kareli has filed a complaint with the Special Investigation Service.

Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics – https://www.qartia.ge/en) condemned the incident, emphasizing that journalists must be treated with respect and allowed to perform their duties, especially during public protests. Press freedom organizations and other watchdogs have demanded that authorities ensure the protection and professional rights of media workers, particularly as journalists in Georgia continue to face rising pressure and challenges while reporting on politically sensitive events.

More about the work of Kareli you can see also online: https://www.instagram.com/vakhokareli/. He works for different media in the countries, like Aprili Media (https://aprili.media/main/) and Formulanews (https://formulanews.ge/).

It was not the first time that Kareli had problems with the state authorities in Georgia. Last year, in October, the State Security Service of Georgia – სახელმწიფო უსაფრთხოების სამსახური (SSSG / SUS) summoned Kareli and one additional person in a follow up to a training plot allegation, after participating in a training organized by a foreign NGO. According to SUS “destabilization and unrest” were planned by “a certain group of persons operating on the territory of Georgia and beyond.”

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the obstruction and mistreatment of photojournalist Vakho Kareli. SEEMO emphasizes that such actions undermine press freedom and the ability of journalists to report safely and freely, which is a core pillar of democracy. SEEMO calls on Georgian authorities to respect journalists’ rights and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties. SEEMO will be closely monitoring developments in 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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