The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) warns that it is the last moment for competent institutions to begin prosecuting and punishing those who threaten independent journalists and media outlets. Only a decisive and timely reaction by the state can prevent threats from turning into actual violence.
The latest warning from IJAS comes after serious threats were sent to the editorial teams of the Magločistač portal from Subotica and the FAR portal from Dimitrovgrad.
An email sent to the editorial office of Magločistač contained the following message:
“You shouldn’t be KILLED as one Progressive wrote a few months ago, but you at the Magločistač newsroom should be thrown out onto the street and banned from reporting. I will identify each one of you working in that newsroom and all of you. You have my information — I’m not a coward like you who hides behind fake profiles and stupid ‘ethics’.”
This is not the first time that the Magločistač newsroom has been the target of threats and pressure. IJAS recalls that journalists of this outlet have long been facing serious attacks and messages that directly endanger their safety — solely because of their professional and responsible reporting on local and socially relevant issues.
The FAR portal also received a threat through a phone call in which an unidentified person said:
“…those who write lies about me, something might happen to them…”
The threat came after FAR journalist Sergej Ivanov published a post on his Facebook profile about the potential opening of a lignite mine near Dimitrovgrad, an initiative reportedly backed by the company Vuković Benz. The topic is of significant public interest, and the threat arrived just before a public hearing on the Draft Detailed Regulation Plan for the “Mazgoš” deposit, scheduled for October 13. Ivanov has been covering this issue for an extended period, as it clearly concerns matters of public importance and has attracted considerable public attention.
The FAR newsroom has also been under constant pressure and threats for some time. Last week, the portal was the target of a serious hacker attack, the second in a short period, which severely disrupted the website’s operation and the daily work of journalists.
IJAS strongly condemns every attempt to intimidate journalists and exert pressure on media freedom. Such actions represent a direct attack on the public interest and democratic processes. The association expects a swift, effective, and decisive reaction from competent institutions to:
- identify and sanction those responsible,
- ensure the safety of journalists performing their professional duties, and
- guarantee conditions for free and unhindered public information.
IJAS notes that in recent months there has been a rise in violence and pressure against journalists and media workers, including physical attacks, threats, and inadequate responses by the police. Such developments further deepen the public’s distrust in institutions and their capacity to protect journalists. Therefore, IJAS expects the authorities to make additional efforts to ensure the effective protection of journalists and create conditions for safe and independent media work.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia stands ready to provide legal, professional, and advisory support to all endangered journalists and media workers to help protect their rights and enable them to continue working in a safe and dignified environment.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, October 13, 2025
