The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the inappropriate and malicious message about cartoonist Dušan Petričić posted on the social network X by Predrag Azdejković, a member of the Managing Board of Radio Television of Serbia (RTS).
On 16 May, the day news broke of the death of prominent cartoonist Predrag Koraksić Koraks, Azdejković wrote: “Petričić should get ready…”, clearly alluding to cartoonist Dušan Petričić.
IJAS considers this statement to be absolutely inappropriate, unacceptable and particularly concerning, bearing in mind that it comes from a member of the Managing Board of the Public Media Service. In the context of the death of one of Serbia’s most prominent cartoonists, this message cannot be understood as harmless, but rather as a malicious allusion directed at another author who regularly uses his work to critically reflect on political and social realities.
Branislav Klanšček, President of the RTS Managing Board, reacted to Predrag Azdejković’s post by telling FoNet that the views Azdejković expresses on social media are not the views of the Managing Board, but his personal views expressed on a private account.
IJAS believes that such a response is not an adequate reaction to the conduct of a member of the RTS Managing Board. The fact that the statement was published on a private account does not absolve him of responsibility for publicly expressed words, especially when he is a member of the body that governs the Public Media Service.
What is particularly concerning is that Azdejković has previously made public statements insulting and belittling those who disagree with him and those who do not support the government, as well as journalists Žaklina Tatalović and Jovana Gligorijević. Every citizen of Serbia has the right to a political affiliation and personal opinion, but from the position of a member of the Managing Board of the Public Media Service, such conduct is unacceptable.
Members of the RTS Managing Board are obliged to take care in their public appearances, to refrain from spreading insulting, malicious or disturbing messages, and to be aware of their responsibility towards the citizens of Serbia who finance the work of the Public Media Service, including the work of its Managing Board.
IJAS recalls that Dušan Petričić was recently exposed to threats, together with the editorial team of the weekly magazine Radar. Precisely for this reason, such statements by public actors and members of important institutions cannot be treated as ordinary personal comments, as they further contribute to an atmosphere of pressure, targeting and threats to the safety of authors who speak critically about society and the authorities.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 19, 2026
