The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) strongly condemns the continued practice of obstructing and intimidating journalists by police officers and unidentified individuals, which seriously threatens media freedom and journalist safety.
During the night between June 8 and 9, Danas daily journalist Uglješa Bokić was prevented from doing his job in front of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) offices in Novi Sad. After attempting to photograph the head of the Novi Sad Police Department, Nevenko Marić, Bokić was verbally obstructed and physically pushed by individuals who refused to identify themselves and whose affiliation—whether police or civilian—remains unknown. Although Chief Marić demanded identification from the journalist, he did not find it necessary to request the same from his companions, who directly interfered with the journalist’s work. IJAS considers this behavior unacceptable and reminds the public that photographing public officials in public spaces is a legitimate journalistic practice.
Even more alarming is the attack on the property of Vreme weekly journalist Tijana Stanić, who was reporting from the local elections in Kosjerić. On the night of June 8, two tires on her car were punctured and the side mirrors were broken. The incident occurred after the reporting team documented suspicious activities in the yard of a local company marked as a location of electoral irregularities. Despite the clear targeting of the journalist, police officers did not respond appropriately, merely commenting, “What can we do?”
All indications point to an organized attempt to intimidate and discourage journalists from professionally reporting on political and electoral events of public importance. Such pressure constitutes a direct attack on media freedom and the public’s right to information, as well as a dangerous message that journalists are left unprotected amid heightened social tensions.
IJAS calls on the Ministry of Interior and the Internal Control Sector to immediately investigate both incidents—the obstruction of Uglješa Bokić and the damage to Tijana Stanić’s property—and to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted. We also call on all state institutions to urgently take measures to guarantee safe and unhindered journalistic work, especially during elections and politically sensitive events.
Attacks on journalists and their property are attacks on the public’s right to be informed. Every attempt at intimidation must be met with a clear and decisive institutional response.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS)
Belgrade, June 9, 2025
