The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) has recorded in recent days a series of serious cases of pressure and threats against journalists and media outlets: from direct threats to Danas journalist Vojin Radovanović, to the targeting of media during a TV programme by convicted war criminal Vojislav Šešelj, and public statements by ruling party officials labelling TV stations and newsrooms as “extremists” and “traitors.” Discrimination against local media was also recorded in Bečej, as well as attacks on the premises of the Kraljevo weekly “Sidža.”
The threat to Vojin Radovanović was sent from the account “Zoran Cvijanovic” with the message: “Read this. The Black Hand has marked you. Watch yourself, friend,” from the same profile that previously sent messages to Smiljana Milinkov, head of the Department of Journalism at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad.
Appearing on Informer TV, Vojislav Šešelj targeted United Group media (Danas, Nova, N1), called Danas’s editor-in-chief a “traitor,” and claimed those outlets were “all traitorous.”
Member of Parliament Marjan Rističević, while explaining proposed amendments to the Law on Electronic Media that would “limit the work of Luxembourg-based television” (United Group), alleged that their programming “participates in the undermining of the state” and is “designed for unlawful violent action with the help of foreign actors.”
Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić wrote on X that media within the United Group are “extremists who advocate the violent overthrow of the government.”
In Kraljevo, on the night between 7 and 8 October, unknown perpetrators splashed white paint across the facade and windows of the “Sidža” newsroom — the second attack in just two days. The day before, stickers reading “Ispumpavanje” had been pasted on the same premises. Such acts of intimidation directly endanger the safety of the newsroom and the public’s right to information.
Additionally, in Bečej, some local media were excluded from an event on the awarding of contracts for energy renovation, with responsibility shifted onto the competent ministry — which does not relieve the local authorities of their obligation to ensure non-discriminatory access to information of public interest.
IJAS reminds that labelling media and journalists as “extremists,” “traitors,” and similar pejoratives constitutes dangerous, threatening rhetoric that increases risks to journalists’ safety, fuels an atmosphere of mob justice, and stifles freedom of information. Senior state officials have a particular responsibility to refrain from statements that may incite violence or lynching.
IJAS demands that the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) and the competent prosecutor’s office in Kraljevo promptly identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack on the “Sidža” newsroom.
IJAS also calls on MUP to urgently identify and appropriately sanction the author of the threats to Vojin Radovanović.
The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) must initiate oversight and sanctioning procedures against broadcasters for targeting the media, hate speech, and incitement to hostility in programming.
Officials of the ruling party and elected officeholders should refrain from targeting, as every public word carries significant responsibility. Public speech, whether in a political or social context, strongly shapes the political climate and can fuel tensions against journalists; it is therefore essential that officials are mindful of the consequences of their statements and actions.
It is also necessary to abandon ad hoc legal amendments that selectively restrict the work of certain media. Any reform must be conducted through an inclusive, transparent, and expert process, in line with the Constitution and European standards.
We call on all local self-governments to ensure non-discriminatory access for all media to events of public interest and to urgently end the practice of selective information.
We also remind media outlets and editors not to provide a platform for hate speech and incitement, and to consistently apply professional and ethical standards.
IJAS will continue to provide legal and public support to colleagues exposed to threats and pressure, calls on newsrooms to report all cases immediately to the association, the police and the prosecutor’s office, and appeals to citizens and institutions to protect the right to free and accurate information as the foundation of a democratic society.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 8 October 2025
