The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) condemned the attack on Nova TV’s investigative journalist Danka Derifaj and camera operator Miroslav Bokan while filming a report on the long-term environmental destruction along the Una River in Croatia.
We also join our Croatian affiliates (TUCJ and CJA), and the SafeJournalists Network (SJN), in welcoming the prompt action of the Lika-Senj County Police, who arrested the individuals responsible under the government’s safety protocol for journalists signed with the Ministry of Interior, TUCJ, and CJA.
On 10 May 2025, at around 6 pm, Reporter Danka Derifaj and camera operator Miroslav Bokan from Nova TV’s investigative program Provjereno were forcibly prevented from filming environmental degradation at the Štrbački Buk area along the Una River in Croatia. While questioning a couple who were allegedly responsible for illegally occupying and damaging the state-owned land, the journalists were verbally and physically attacked by them. The man first shouted at camera operator Bokan to not film in a derogatory manner, after which his wife slapped reporter Danka Derifaj. The incident was recorded on video.
Both attackers were arrested with criminal charges being filed, on suspicion of committing the criminal offence of ‘coercion against a person performing tasks of public interest or in public service’.
“The attack on Danko Derifaj and his team is an attack on journalism and the public’s right to know. They went to film the devastation of state land in Štrbački Buk, and were met with curses, threats, and physical violence. Danko opened an important story – now it’s our turn, especially other media outlets, to continue it,” stated TUCJ and EFJ President Maja Sever.
The EFJ also welcomes the swift activation of the Protocol on Police Conduct in Cases Involving Criminal Offences Against Journalists by Croatian authorities following the attack on Nova TV journalists. While physical violence against journalists is relatively rare in Croatia, authorities have not consistently classified such assaults as criminal offenses, as seen in the case of Melita Vrsaljko, assaulted twice in a week over reporting on illegal waste dumps.
The recent implementation of this protocol indicates a positive step towards enhancing the safety of journalists, who often face violence when reporting on environmental issues. Mapping Media Freedom data since 2024 indicates a worsening environment for media workers, primarily involving threats and intimidation.
From 19-21 May, the MFRR delegation will travel to Zagreb and continue to deeply assess the state of press freedom in Croatia and provide crucial recommendations, including the enforcement of government safety protocols, to ensure a media environment free from violence.
Source: EFJ
