It is with great sadness that we inform the public that caricaturist Predrag Koraksić Koraks, one of the sharpest and most consistent critics of political and social developments in Serbia and one of the founders of Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS), has passed away.
Born on June 15, 1933, in Gornja Gorevnica, into a family of teachers, his childhood was marked by war and the loss of his father, a partisan who was killed during World War II, as well as the displacement that followed. He began publishing caricatures at the age of 17, in 1950, in the satirical magazine Jež, thus launching an extraordinary career that lasted more than seven decades. Although he studied architecture in Belgrade, he decided to devote himself entirely to caricature and journalism.
Koraks worked for more than three decades at Večernje novosti, from which he was dismissed in 1993 for political reasons. He then continued his work in independent media outlets such as Vreme, Danas, Borba, Peščanik, and Radio Free Europe. For decades, through his caricatures, he defended the right to free thought and freedom of expression, leaving an indelible mark on journalism, media culture, and public life in Serbia. His distinctive drawings and sharp wit became symbols of resistance to authoritarianism, nationalism, and the abuse of power.
He was regarded as one of the most important political caricaturists in the former Yugoslavia, and his cartoons often spoke louder than a thousand words. Throughout his career, he held more than 40 solo exhibitions in Serbia and abroad and received numerous domestic and international awards, including the French Legion of Honour.
As one of the founders of NUNS, he belonged to the generation that created space for independent and professional journalism during some of the most difficult times. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the profession and the fight for media freedom, NUNS awarded him honorary membership status in 2021, on the occasion of his 88th birthday.
Koraks was not only a caricaturist — he was a chronicler of his time, whose voice and perspective on reality will be deeply missed. His passing is a great loss for the journalistic community, as well as for all those who believe in the importance of critical thinking and a free society.
Information regarding the commemoration and funeral will be announced at a later date.
NUNS expresses its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
