The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the targeting and threats directed via Facebook at the editorial team of the Bečejski Mozaik news portal.
Following the police violence against students and citizens in front of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, citizens of Bečej organized a protest on April 28. The Bečejski Mozaik portal published video footage of the protest on its Facebook page. After the videos were posted, threats and targeting were made from the Facebook profile Ivan Jevtić.
In a comment below the video, Ivan Jevtić wrote: “You will be swept away with an iron broom like the rest of the Ustaše that have multiplied in northern Serbia.”
These threats and this hate speech constitute an unacceptable form of pressure, especially on local media, and a clear attempt to suppress freedom of expression and the public’s right to be informed.
Kristina Demeter Filipčev, a journalist from Bečejski Mozaik, told IJAS that this is the third time since November 22 last year, when the first protest in Bečej was held, that she has faced threats and attacks.
“At the first protest, I was physically assaulted and verbally abused – that was reported to the police. Previous online threats were reported to the Prosecutor’s Office in Bečej, which I hope forwarded the case to the Department for High-Tech Crime. The latest update regarding the physical assault was that the prosecution cannot initiate proceedings because the police have yet to identify the people who attacked and insulted me – even though they are clearly visible in video footage. On Facebook, people have identified them as SNS activists from other municipalities,” the journalist said.
IJAS reminds the public that it is the role of journalists to inform citizens about matters of public interest, including protests, and that their safety must not be endangered because of their work.
We emphasize that pressure on independent media and journalists is increasing due to the failure of institutions to adequately address threats and attacks. This inaction gives encouragement to those who seek to intimidate and silence journalists.
Every threat against journalists must be taken seriously and, in accordance with the law, swiftly investigated and sanctioned by the competent authorities.
IJAS has reported the latest Facebook threats and urges the Ministry of the Interior and the Prosecutor’s Office to act urgently, identify the individual behind the Ivan Jevtić profile, and ensure protection for the journalists of Bečejski Mozaik. We also call on all participants in public discourse to refrain from hate speech and violence against media professionals.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 6, 2025
