The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) expresses serious concern over the criminal complaint filed against military analyst Aleksandar Radić and the manner in which the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office has publicly justified the charges by disclosing information about Radić’s communications with journalists and private individuals. We believe that the way this case is being conducted constitutes yet another troubling example of pressure on freedom of expression and an attempt to intimidate citizens who publicly express their views on issues of significant public interest.
IJAS is particularly concerned that the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, in its official statement, disclosed details of Aleksandar Radić’s private communications, including exchanges with journalists. Such conduct undermines the trust between journalists and their interlocutors, compromises the protection of journalistic sources, and sends the message that communication with the media may become subject to public disclosure by state authorities.
Aleksandar Radić is a long-standing military analyst widely recognized as an expert commentator on security and defence issues. Like every citizen of Serbia, he has the right to publicly express his professional opinions without fear of being subjected to repressive measures or having his communications with journalists disclosed in official statements issued by state institutions.
IJAS recalls that the proceedings against Radić followed the announcement by the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office that it would collect information from individuals who had publicly spoken about the alleged use of a sonic device during the protest held on 15 March last year. Since then, interviews have been conducted with several public figures, journalists, and media interlocutors, further reinforcing the impression that these proceedings are creating an atmosphere of pressure on anyone who publicly comments on this issue.
IJAS warns that such actions amount to a demonstration of state power and contribute to an atmosphere of fear and repression aimed at discouraging citizens from freely expressing their opinions, while also deterring experts and other interlocutors from participating in public debate on issues of the highest public importance.
Freedom of expression includes the right of every citizen to voice their opinions, including expert assessments that may be critical of the actions of state authorities. At the same time, the protection of journalistic sources is one of the cornerstones of free journalism and must not be undermined by the actions of state institutions.
IJAS calls on the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as all other competent state authorities, to refrain from publicly disclosing communications involving journalists and their interlocutors unless there is a clear legal basis and an overriding public interest for doing so. Furthermore, bearing in mind Serbia’s membership in the Council of Europe, IJAS urges the authorities to consistently apply the standards set out in Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4, which require the protection of journalistic sources, journalistic materials, and communications from arbitrary surveillance, searches, and seizure.
At the same time, we call on all competent institutions to ensure that their actions do not contribute to an atmosphere of intimidation or undermine freedom of expression, one of the fundamental values of a democratic society.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 17 July 2026
Translation: IJAS, with AI assistance
