The SafeJournalists Network expresses deep concern over the decision of the Municipal Court in Zadar, which found journalist Melita Vrsaljko, a contributor to Faktograf and Klimatski portal, guilty of disturbing public order after she defended herself from a physical attack while performing her professional duties.
The attack occurred in July 2024 in the village of Nadin near Zadar, while Vrsaljko was reporting on illegal waste dumping. During her work, she was confronted by a man who tried to prevent her from filming, verbally assaulted her, and physically attacked her. The attack was confirmed by eyewitnesses and video footage, and the perpetrator himself admitted that he wanted to stop her from reporting. Despite this, the court ruled that both the journalist and her attacker bore equal responsibility for “disturbing public order.”
The following day, Vrsaljko was attacked again – this time at her own home, by the daughter of the same man. SafeJournalists Network reacted to the incident at the time. Although the incident was reported to the authorities, the Municipal State Attorney’s Office in Zadar has yet to issue a decision on the criminal complaint filed more than a year ago.
This ruling, which effectively equates a victim of physical assault with her attacker, represents a dangerous precedent for the safety of journalists in Croatia, particularly those working in local communities and reporting on issues of public interest such as environmental protection and misuse of public spaces. It sends a chilling message that journalists who come under attack should not defend themselves, as they risk being prosecuted alongside their aggressors. At the same time, it discourages women victims of violence from reporting assaults, suggesting that doing so could lead to their own punishment.
The journalist’s lawyer, Vanja Jurić, announced that an appeal will be filed, emphasizing that the ruling lacks both factual and legal foundation and undermines the fundamental principles of protecting journalists and victims of violence.
The SafeJournalists Network warns that this case constitutes a serious blow to media freedom, the public’s right to know, and the safety of journalists in the field. We call on Croatian judicial institutions to review this decision in accordance with the law and ensure that journalists are protected when acting in the public interest – not punished for defending themselves from attack.
Physical assaults, threats, and attempts to intimidate journalists are unacceptable and must be sanctioned, and the state has a duty to ensure that the legal system protects journalists rather than their aggressors.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international actors about this case.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on the public interest, democracy, and the rights of all citizens.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, November 8, 2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists’ Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
