The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) expresses deep disappointment and concern regarding the decision of the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, which failed to recognize any criminal offense in the physical attack by Milan Lađević, co-owner of Srpski telegraf, on Radar weekly journalist Vuk Cvijić, which took place on May 29, 2023, in the center of Belgrade.
After nearly 11 months of preliminary proceedings, despite video footage clearly showing Lađević striking Cvijić in the face with his fist and then pushing him to the ground, the prosecution concluded that this act of violence does not constitute a criminal offense. In the decision to dismiss the criminal complaint, Prosecutor Bojan Jelić reasoned that “there was no significant change in the behavior of passersby,” and that “public peace was not disturbed,” which, according to the prosecutor, is a prerequisite for the criminal offense of violent behavior.
IJAS emphasizes that such a conclusion is unacceptable and sends a dangerous message—that physical attacks on journalists, even when clearly documented on video, can go unpunished. This further undermines the safety of journalists in Serbia and devalues the role of institutions that should protect basic human rights and freedom of expression.
We expect the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, as the superior authority, to review this decision and accept the appeal that Vuk Cvijić’s legal representatives will submit, allowing for the attack to be prosecuted in accordance with the law. We also urge public prosecutors to respond more swiftly, efficiently, and seriously in future cases involving attacks on journalists and to regularly inform the public about the progress of investigations in a timely manner, in order to end the pattern of impunity and restore trust in institutions.
Regardless of who the perpetrator is—whether a government official, a private individual, or a colleague from another newsroom—we firmly believe that every physical attack on a journalist must be treated as an attack on media freedom and the public interest.
IJAS stands in full solidarity with our colleague Vuk Cvijić and the Radar newsroom and will continue to inform domestic and international organizations that work to protect media freedom and journalists about this case.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, March 27, 2025
