Vienna, 06/12/2015
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) was appalled by sexist comments a high-ranking public official in Serbia made when referring to a female journalist.
Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic was speaking to a group of journalists in the town of Trstenik after a visit to a local factory. During his statement and questions with the press, B92 journalist Zlatija Labovic knelt in order to avoid obstructing cameras filming Gasic. The Minister said, “I like female journalists that kneel down easily”.
“Statements like this are unprofessional and unacceptable from a public official. This behaviour must be addressed, considering Gasic’s position as a Minister.” SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said.
SEEMO is a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in South East and Central Europe. SEEMO’s press freedom work is supported by the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) project, as part of a grant by the European Commission.