The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the latest death threats and threats of violence against Veran Matić and calls on the Special Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime and the Ministry of Interior to identify without delay those responsible and take all measures within their competence.
The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) reported to the competent prosecutor’s office a series of threats and disturbing messages posted on social media. In the comments below a Facebook post by Vukša Dragović, which contains a statement by Veran Matić taken out of context, a user under the profile name “Aleksandar Mosic” wrote: “Hang the scumbag and leave his corpse for the animals to tear apart.”
Other profiles posted messages including: “You’ll be the first one we sacrifice,” “He will stop living soon,” “This stinking Ustasha piece of sh*t should be dealt with publicly,” and “Where does he live? In Serbia? What are we waiting for?” Below the same post on X, another message appeared stating: “… he will be the first one we sacrifice.”
The SafeJournalists Network warns that these messages cannot be viewed as isolated incidents, but must be considered in the context of the prolonged targeting, discrediting and threats to which Matić has been subjected. It is particularly concerning that, alongside direct threats, dangerous falsehoods are being spread portraying him as an enemy of the state and the people and linking him to serious crimes.
Over the previous period, Matić has been the target of numerous campaigns in the media and on social networks, while the threats against him have become increasingly frequent and explicit. There have also been incidents in which his safety was directly endangered, including an attack outside the National Assembly of Serbia, when his mobile phone was taken from him. Matić has also recently been targeted in campaigns by senior state officials.
Given the frequency, content and intensity of the latest messages, the SafeJournalists Network demands that the Special Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime and the Ministry of Interior urgently identify the individuals behind the accounts from which the threats were sent, establish their responsibility and initiate appropriate proceedings.
The competent institutions must take seriously every message threatening a journalist or media worker with death or violence, particularly where there is a continued pattern of threats and previously documented threats to their safety. A failure to respond swiftly and effectively may further encourage perpetrators and contribute to an atmosphere in which violence against journalists becomes normalised.
The Network once again warns that the public labelling of journalists and media professionals as enemies, traitors or threats to society by public officials or other influential actors has contributed to creating an environment in which threats and violence are increasingly seen as acceptable.
The SafeJournalists Network expresses its full solidarity with Veran Matić and expects the institutions to take all necessary measures to ensure his safety.
The Network will continue to monitor this case and will inform relevant domestic and international organisations working to protect media freedom and the safety of journalists.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, 8 August 2026
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
