The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) strongly condemns the physical attack on Insajder TV journalist Stefan Miljuš, which occurred while he was performing his professional duties at Nikola Pašić Square in Belgrade. This incident constitutes a serious attack on media freedom and the public’s right to be informed, and it demands an urgent and decisive response from the competent authorities.
According to available information, during his reporting near Nikola Pašić Square, Stefan Miljuš was physically assaulted by an unknown man who struck him twice on the arm in an attempt to knock the phone from his hand. Miljuš had earlier recorded a violent incident involving an attack on military veterans who were passing through the area. As he was preparing to send the footage to the newsroom, he noticed that someone was recording him. When he asked why he was being filmed, the man initially tried to walk away, then told the Insajder crew it would be “better for him to run.” When asked if that was a threat, the man turned and hit Miljuš twice on the arm. Shortly after, another man approached. When Miljuš stated that he was just doing his job, the second man told him to “do it somewhere else” and not to film them, but to film himself instead.
We remind the public that this is the second incident in the past ten days in which Insajder staff members have been targeted, further raising concerns and pointing to a worrying trend of endangering the safety of journalists who carry out their work professionally and responsibly.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) calls on the competent institutions to respond promptly and effectively, identify and sanction the perpetrators, in order to ensure the safety of journalists and send a clear message that violence against media professionals is unacceptable and punishable.
IJAS expresses its full support to the colleagues from Insajder, as well as to all journalists facing pressure, threats, and violence because of their work. The protection of journalists and media freedom must be a priority in any democratic society.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 1, 2025
