The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the statements made by Minister for Public Investments Darko Glišić and SNS MP Marjan Rističević on the pro-government TV Pink, in which they accused television N1 and its journalists of “media recruitment” of the person who carried out the armed attack in a tent settlement in front of the National Assembly of Serbia yesterday.
Speaking on TV Pink, Minister Glišić claimed that the attack was “the result of everything that has been done over the past year.”
“This dark media kitchen of this criminal Šolak and all those who are creators of a color revolution has created an atmosphere where it is completely normal to kill someone who thinks differently,” said Glišić, further accusing journalist Danica Vučenić and reporter Mladen Savatović of “calling for violence.”
Severe accusations against independent media were also made by SNS MP Marjan Rističević, who claimed that “tycoon, illegal media” had incited terrorism, promoted criminal acts for a year, and created the basis for them to occur.
At a time when society is already deeply polarized, and pressures and threats against journalists are a daily occurrence, such statements are extremely dangerous and represent a direct call for further stigmatization and endangerment of journalists. Accusing media outlets that report professionally and in the public interest of “indoctrinating attackers” or “calling for violence” goes beyond all bounds of political and moral responsibility.
We remind Minister Glišić and MP Rističević that it is precisely their statements that contribute to creating an atmosphere in which journalists—especially those from independent newsrooms such as N1—become targets of orchestrated attacks, pressure, and threats. Such rhetoric encourages extremist regime supporters to continue intimidating and verbally, or even physically, attacking journalists.
IJAS once again calls on all public officials to recognize the weight of their words and to refrain from accusations, labeling, and hate speech directed at the media and journalists. We urge state institutions to publicly condemn such outbursts and to consistently enforce laws prohibiting incitement to hatred and violence.
In a society that aspires to democracy and the rule of law, the culture of public discourse must be nurtured, and public space must not be abused for political confrontations or for targeting those who are simply doing their job.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, October 23, 2025
