SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the targeting of researcher and Executive Director of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK), Getoarbe Mulliqi, and journalist, university professor and Program Director of the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), Dinko Gruhonjic, following the publication of their analysis on media reporting about dealing with the past in the Western Balkans.
The campaign began with an article published by the Serbian tabloid Informer under the headline “Dinko and the ‘Šiptarska’ journalist supported the blockers and attacked Serbia”, in which the authors were subjected to derogatory, ethnically charged and inflammatory labelling (“Šiptarka” is a derogatory and ethnically charged term used in Serbian to refer to an Albanian woman, widely regarded as offensive and often used to demean or stigmatize ethnic Albanians). The article portrayed their professional work and research findings as an attack on Serbia, while targeting Mulliqi on the basis of her Albanian ethnic identity and Gruhonjic through political labelling and long-standing smear narratives.
SafeJournalists Network considers the use of ethnic slurs and discriminatory rhetoric against journalists to be unacceptable and dangerous. Such reporting not only violates fundamental principles of professional journalism but also contributes to an atmosphere of hostility, intolerance and potential threats to the safety of journalists.
Particularly concerning is the subsequent public statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, in which the Ministry refers to the analysis and, in a particularly negative context, mentions the authors of the analysis by their names. We find it inappropriate for a ministry to publicly single out and question the credibility, motives and professional integrity of individual authors. By emphasizing the identities and previous public engagement of the authors instead of committing to address issues raised in the findings, the Ministry risks contributing to an environment in which journalists and researchers become targets of public pressure and intimidation.
SafeJournalists Network recalls that journalists, researchers and media freedom advocates must be able to conduct research, publish findings and participate in public debate without fear of retaliation, smear campaigns or ethnic targeting. Disagreement with conclusions or opinions expressed in a publication must never serve as justification for personal attacks, demeaning rhetoric or attempts to discredit authors.
The targeting of Getoarbe Mulliqi on ethnic grounds, using a derogatory term, is particularly alarming. Such rhetoric fuels ethnic intolerance and undermines efforts to strengthen dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation throughout the Western Balkans. Equally concerning is the continued targeting of Dinko Gruhonjic, who has for years been exposed to threats, harassment and coordinated campaigns aimed at discrediting his professional and academic work.
SafeJournalists Network calls on Serbian authorities, including the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, to refrain from rhetoric that may contribute to the stigmatisation of journalists and media researchers. We also call on media outlets to respect professional and ethical standards and to avoid language that may incite hostility, discrimination or violence.
SafeJournalists Network stands in full solidarity with Getoarbe Mulliqi and Dinko Gruhonjic and reiterates that the safety of journalists, freedom of expression and the right to conduct independent research must be protected throughout the region.
Any attack on journalists, whether based on their work, opinions or ethnic background, represents an attack on media freedom and democratic values.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 17 June 2026
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
