The European Union (EU) expects competent Serbian authorities to swiftly follow up on the threats against N1, and to create an enabling environment in which media freedom and freedom of expression can be exercised without hindrance, the European Commission stated in its reply to an official letter our television station addressed to European institutions on July 11 drawing attention to the alarming escalation of threats and a state-led campaign of intimidation against N1 journalists and staff in Serbia.
N1 TV had reached out to all relevant European Union institutions and international organizations involved in protecting journalists and media freedom regarding the threatening letter sent to our station, which, among other things, “reminded” us of the attack on the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, where 12 staff members were killed.
“We have carefully read your message and taken note of your concerns. We too are concerned about the increasing pressure and attacks the journalists have been facing in the wake of the students’ and citizens’ protests,” reads the reply to N1 sent at the request of EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos by Jiri Plecity, Head of the Serbia and Kosovo Sector at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement.
Plecity said that media freedom is one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and a fundamental right in the EU and is, therefore, a crucial element of Serbia’s EU accession process and an important interim benchmark to be fulfilled under Chapter 23 of the EU accession negotiations process.
“We made it clear that we expect competent authorities to swiftly follow up on the threats you highlight in your letter and all other cases of attacks and threats against journalists and media workers and ensure effective judicial follow up to bring perpetrators to justice,” Plecity emphasized in the letter.
He added that the EU expects Serbian authorities to create an enabling environment in which media freedom and freedom of expression can be exercised without hindrance.
“It is crucial that journalists be able to do their job free of any threat of violence, harassment and intimidation for citizens to have access to complete and balanced information. High-level officials should refrain from verbal attacks and threats against journalists,” said Plecity.
He also recalled earlier statements by Commissioner Kos that it is precisely Serbia’s EU path that offers solutions to many of the issues that are at the heart of the discussion in Serbia, including media freedom.
The European Commission will continue to follow these developments closely, also in the context of EU accession negotiations, and will report as part of the 2025 Enlargement Package, the letter from the European Commission concludes.
Source: N1
