The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) warns that the decision of the First Basic Court in Belgrade, by which “Novosti” editor Andrijana Nešić has been banned from performing the duties of editor for one year, represents a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression and media freedom. At the same time, IJAS condemns the threats sent by email to the newsroom of “Kurir” and calls on the competent authorities to promptly identify and sanction the perpetrator.
According to the statement of the Tomanović Law Office, acting upon the criminal complaint filed by Zdenko Tomanović against the editor of “Novosti”, the First Basic Court in Belgrade found Andrijana Nešić guilty of the criminal offense of insult and sentenced her to a fine of 450,000 dinars. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a security measure prohibiting her from performing the duties of editor for a period of one year.
Although it is indisputable that violations of the ethical code and the law, as well as making insulting and defamatory statements, are entirely contrary to the profession and the public responsibility of journalists, we believe that imposing a ban on performing journalistic work constitutes a dangerous practice with serious and long-term consequences for freedom of expression and media freedom. It is particularly worrying that such measures are increasingly being sought against investigative journalists and newsrooms, which may turn this practice into a mechanism for silencing critical voices in society.
Such measures do not provide a solution to the problems in the media sphere; instead, they further undermine freedom of expression, the independence of journalists, and the public’s right to be informed. IJAS recalls that professional standards must be strengthened through systemic measures, above all through stricter and more transparent control over the allocation of public funds, which should support high-quality and ethically grounded journalism, rather than reward media outlets that violate professional norms.
At the same time, IJAS strongly condemns the threats addressed to the newsroom of “Kurir”. On December 2, the newsroom received an email from a person using the account name Edward Coon, in which, in addition to insults, disturbing threats were also sent to journalists and staff members: “…we know where you live, all the best. Your time is running out, watch what might be hiding under your car.”
Regardless of any media outlet’s editorial policy, threats against journalists are absolutely unacceptable and represent a serious endangerment of their safety. We warn that such threats can easily escalate into physical violence.
IJAS calls on the competent institutions to react urgently, to take all necessary measures to identify the sender of the threats to the “Kurir” newsroom, and to adequately sanction the perpetrator. Only a clear and effective response by the state can send the message that attacks and threats against journalists are intolerable and that their safety is a priority in a society that aspires to be democratic and free.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, December 4, 2025
