The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the detention of photojournalist Gavrilo Andrić in Loznica while he was carrying out his professional duties and attempting to document the arrival of activist and farmer Zlatko Kokanović at a court hearing in the proceedings being conducted against him.
Citizens gathered outside the court in Loznica today to show support for Zlatko Kokanović ahead of the main hearing in the proceedings against him over the railway blockade in June 2024, while Gavrilo Andrić was there to report on an event of public interest. Kokanović is currently in detention over an incident that took place during the farmers’ protest on March 1 this year.
In an attempt to record the conduct of a police officer, Andrić ran after the police vehicle transporting Kokanović, after which police officers stopped him, detained him, and took him to the police station. During the incident, Andrić did not insult police officers nor did he have any physical contact with them. Videos published on social media show several police officers surrounding the photojournalist, as well as reactions from gathered citizens protesting the police conduct.
Although Andrić immediately showed his press identification, the police officers still decided to detain him. The photojournalist repeatedly asked to be informed of the reasons for his detention, but the officers did not do so immediately and informed him only much later. At the police station, some officers were very aggressive and unpleasant, without any visible reason, especially given that Andrić was cooperative throughout. There were no grounds for such behavior, neither for the detention itself nor for the manner in which he was treated. At one point, they even asked him to delete footage and photographs from his camera, even though he did not have the camera with him at that moment. After giving a statement, Andrić was released, but a misdemeanor charge was filed against him for allegedly disturbing public order and peace.
We remind that shortly before being detained, Andrić recorded footage that drew significant public attention. The video shows certain police officers treating Kokanović’s daughter roughly as she tried to approach and see her father. Although she only wanted to make contact with him, police officers prevented her from doing so, acting very aggressively, and their conduct triggered numerous public reactions and criticism.
The SafeJournalists Network emphasizes that journalists and photojournalists have both the duty and the right to cover events of public importance and to document the conduct of institutions in public places. Detaining a media worker while performing his job, as well as initiating proceedings against him for professional reporting, constitutes a serious form of pressure and sends a troubling message to all journalists reporting from protests, court proceedings, and other events of public interest.
The SafeJournalists Network calls on the competent authorities in Serbia to urgently establish all the circumstances surrounding this incident, to provide the public with a clear explanation of the grounds for Gavrilo Andrić’s detention, and to stop any actions that may amount to unjustified pressure on media workers. We also call on institutions to ensure that the police act in accordance with the law and with full respect for the right of journalists and photojournalists to carry out their work without obstruction.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform domestic and international actors monitoring media freedom and the safety of journalists in the region about this case.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, March 10, 2026
Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
