Journalists and media associations and trade unions from Serbia and the region strongly condemn the brutal and unacceptable conduct of police officers towards journalists, as well as the systematic obstruction of their work while reporting on events of public interest. The aggressive behavior of the police constitute an absolutely unacceptable violation of the law and fundamental democratic principles, and a continuation of the ongoing pressure and violence against media workers that has persisted for more than a year.
While reporting in front of the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade, following the entry of members of the Criminal Police Directorate (UKP) into the building, a large number of journalists were prevented from carrying out their work freely, while some were subjected to direct physical violence.
Photojournalist Gavrilo Andrić was repeatedly pushed roughly by police officers, kicked, and struck three times with a baton on his equipment. His colleague, photojournalist Nađa Gavrilović, was also repeatedly shoved, while police officers on several occasions raised batons toward her, clearly threatening the use of force. Photojournalist Katarina Redžić was physically obstructed in her work, and at one point was forcefully pushed by two police officers.
Photojournalist Luka Pešić sustained multiple blows to the head from police officers, while photojournalist Marko Dragoslavić was hit in the head with a metal object by an as yet unidentified individual, after which he received medical assistance at a healthcare facility.
Unacceptable conduct by the police was also recorded towards a crew from N1 television. Upon their request to be allowed to pass behind the police cordon in order to continue reporting safely – given that they found themselves caught between the police and citizens as the police began pushing the crowd – the officers refused, despite some journalists already being behind the cordon. When journalist Tamara Stojanović pointed out that such conduct was not in accordance with regulations, one of the officers responded: “A lot of things are not in accordance with regulations.” During the chaotic pushing that followed, journalist Stojanović was knocked to the ground.
Journalist Ana Mihajlovski from the portal “Naš portal” was sprayed directly in the eyes and mouth by police while reporting on their actions, representing another serious and unacceptable use of force.
In addition to physical attacks, serious threats against journalists continue. Marko Vidojković and Nenad Kulačin have once again received threats via the YouTube channel “Dobar, loš, zao,” stating: “So, 15,000 people watched you—but how many will attend your funeral, and soon?”
Journalists and media associations and trade unions have repeatedly warned about unacceptable police behavior and called for the immediate cessation of such practices. Yesterday’s events represent a new wave of violence and clear evidence that all limits have long since been crossed.
Such conduct by the police cannot be viewed as an isolated incident, but rather as a pattern of continuous, systemic violence and intimidation against journalists that has persisted for more than a year. We assess this as a dangerous practice indicating an abuse of authority and an open disregard for the law by those tasked with enforcing it. It is unacceptable that the police, instead of protecting journalists and enabling them to work freely, are becoming a source of threat to their safety.
It is particularly concerning that, to date, responsibility has not been established in a single case of police attacks against journalists – neither through criminal proceedings nor within the Internal Control Sector of the Ministry of Interior. Such impunity further encourages violence and represents one of the key problems regarding the safety of journalists in Serbia.
We demand an urgent and unequivocal response from the Ministry of Interior: the identification and sanctioning of all police officers involved in the violence, the initiation of proceedings before the Internal Control Sector and, where applicable, criminal proceedings, as well as a clear commitment that such practices will be immediately and permanently halted. Any further tolerance of violence against journalists will be considered the direct responsibility of the competent institutions.
We also call on the competent prosecutor’s office to act without delay in the case of threats directed at Marko Vidojković and Nenad Kulačin, to identify the perpetrators and adequately sanction them, as well as to efficiently prosecute all cases of attacks on journalists that occurred during yesterday’s events.
Journalists and media associations and trade unions once again warn that free and safe journalism is one of the foundations of any democratic society and will continue to insist on the protection of the rights and safety of all media workers.
Belgrade, April 1, 2026
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (NUNS)
Media Association (AM)
Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)
Online Media Association (AOM)
Branch Trade Union of Culture, Arts and Media “Nezavisnost”
Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina (NDNV)
Business Association of Local and Independent Media “Lokal Press”
Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation
SafeJournalists Network
Association of BH journalists
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Macedonian Journalists
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
