The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) expresses concern over the actions of the police and prosecution towards Ljubomir Stefanović, the editor-in-chief of the YouTube channel “Slavija Info.” After posting a message on his account on the social media platform X, Stefanović was taken by police officers to the Voždovac Police Station, where he was placed in custody for up to 48 hours.
Stefanović had posted on X a photograph of a document—allegedly an act of pardon for members of the Vučić family for any potential criminal offenses committed up to the date of the controversial decision—accompanied by the question “is this true and possible?”
The editor of “Slavija Info” was released from custody after the court upheld the appeal submitted by his defense attorney.
According to Nikola Lakić, Stefanović’s defense attorney on behalf of the incompetent prosecutor’s office, the police searched both Stefanović’s residence and the home of his sister. Their laptops and mobile phones were confiscated. Stefanović has been accused of the criminal offense of document forgery.
Without commenting on the authenticity of the document posted by Stefanović or the question he raised, IJAS highlights the dangerous practice that could, without doubt, have a negative impact on freedom of expression.
Detention and other measures prescribed by law must be applied while strictly following proper legal procedures. Arbitrary home searches, detentions, and the seizure of communication tools (such as mobile phones, computers, etc.) constitute a serious violation of citizens’ rights. If such practices continue, IJAS warns, engaging in journalism will become impossible. As a result, the public—especially in such a delicate moment—will be deprived of information that is already difficult to obtain.
In October of last year, Stefanović told the media that a group of agents from the Security-Information Agency (BIA) intercepted him on his way to the studio, took him to the Voždovac police station, and told him he would face five years in prison for insulting President Vučić. Stefanović has since filed criminal charges against BIA agents due to these actions.
According to the information IJAS possesses, in Stefanović’s case, the Cellebrite tool—used for unlocking phones and extracting data—was employed. This also raises concerns about the potential installation of the NoviSpy spyware.
Because of this, civil society organizations have filed criminal complaints.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia believes that Stefanović’s arrest violated the freedoms of thought and expression, which are the foundations of any democratic society. The role of journalists is to provide information and ask questions, and they must not be persecuted or detained for doing so. The conduct of the prosecution and police, aimed at unnecessary protection of government representatives, is unacceptable and represents a serious violation of fundamental rights and an abuse of authority. Therefore, we call on the relevant authorities to stop such attacks and persecution of journalists and citizens.
