The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the treatment of the reporting team from the FAR Internet Portal, which was prevented yesterday from covering the political rally “Serbia Wins”, organized by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in Dimitrovgrad.
According to information published by FAR, the portal’s reporting team was not allowed to document the events at the rally held in support of Aleksandar Vučić, which took place at the small sports field of the Park Sports Center in Dimitrovgrad. Vladica Dimitrov, president of the SNS Municipal Board and, at the same time, President (Mayor) of the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad, prohibited the journalists from filming, stating that FAR was not welcome and was not wanted at the event. Following a verbal dispute, the portal’s team was escorted away from the venue by security personnel.
IJAS warns that preventing journalists and media crews from covering events of public interest, as well as physically removing them from such events, constitutes an unacceptable form of media discrimination and pressure on freedom of public information. It is particularly concerning that the ban was imposed by a local official who also holds the public office of President of the Municipality, and who therefore bears an even greater responsibility to respect the public’s right to be informed.
Political parties and their representatives must not decide which media outlets are “welcome” and which are not, nor should they remove journalists from events because they disagree with their editorial policy or reporting. Such practices represent discriminatory treatment of the media and an attempt to control the information available to citizens.
IJAS reiterates that all journalists and media crews must be guaranteed unhindered, safe, and equal access to perform their professional duties. Freedom of information and citizens’ right to receive timely, comprehensive, and objective information must not depend on the discretion of organizers of political events.
IJAS calls on the Serbian Progressive Party, its local branches, and all public officials to end the practice of discriminating against media outlets and to ensure conditions in which journalists can work professionally, free from pressure, obstruction, and removal from events.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 6 July 2026
