The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the threat and insults directed at Forbes Serbia editor Ivan Radak and calls on the competent institutions to identify without delay the person who posted the threatening comment and to take all measures within their jurisdiction.
In a comment posted under the article “Radak: EXPO Feasibility Study Does Not Inspire Confidence – Do We Really Need This Luxury Fair?”, a person using the name “Orkan” addressed Ivan Radak with the words: “F*** your Ustaša traitor mother, Radak, lying scum like you will be wiped out so that you never rise again.” IJAS reported the threat to the Special Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime.
IJAS considers this message a serious attempt to intimidate a journalist because of his professional work. Particularly concerning is the wording suggesting that people like Radak will be “wiped out”, which, in the context of increasingly frequent threats against journalists, must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
We call on the competent prosecutor’s office and the police to establish the identity of the person behind this comment, assess the level of threat to Ivan Radak, and investigate all the circumstances in which the threat was made.
We reiterate that threats, insults and dehumanising language cannot be treated as an acceptable part of public debate. When journalists are labelled “traitors”, “Ustaše” and “scum”, and are then told that they will be “wiped out”, an atmosphere is created in which violence against them is normalised and encouraged.
IJAS once again warns that the continued impunity for threats further emboldens those seeking to intimidate journalists and prevent them from carrying out their work freely. Institutions have a duty to respond swiftly and effectively to such cases and to clearly demonstrate that threats against journalists will not go without consequences.
IJAS expresses its full solidarity with Ivan Radak and expects the institutions to take all necessary measures to ensure his safety.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 27 August 2026
