The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the attacks on and obstruction of journalists during yesterday’s reporting from the Pride Caravan in Pirot and calls on the competent authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, as well as to ensure conditions for the safe and unhindered work of the media at all events of public interest.
While covering the event, N1 television reporter Gordana Bjeletić was struck in the head by a tomato, while the N1 crew and other journalists were subjected to insults, intimidation, and attempts to prevent them from carrying out their journalistic work. The N1 reporter later reported the attack to the police.
The Pride Caravan, organized by the association Da se zna!, was ultimately cancelled after the authorities assessed that the safety of participants could not be guaranteed, as a large group of men opposed to the event had gathered in the central town square. According to the organizers, the crowd chanted homophobic slogans, prompting the police to deploy riot control units.
In addition to the attack on the N1 crew, Tampon Zona contributor Sara Stanojković and Mašina portal journalist Aleksandar Đokić were prevented from reporting freely. In a video published by Mašina on Instagram, one individual can be heard telling the journalist: “Get out of here, don’t provoke anyone. Move along, quickly.” The journalists were forced to retreat to a safe distance and immediately informed police officers present at the scene about the incident and the intimidation.
IJAS reminds the public that journalists have both the right and the duty to report from all events of public interest, regardless of the nature of the event or the views of its participants. The police also have an obligation to secure public gatherings and enable journalists to report without interference. Any attempt to intimidate, physically attack, or obstruct journalists in performing their work constitutes an attack on media freedom and on the public’s right to receive timely and objective information.
We also note that the incident in Pirot occurred only a few days after the newsroom of Slobodna reč received threats of physical violence following the announcement of the Pride Caravan in Vranje. Although the event in Vranje took place without incident, the events in Pirot demonstrate that the hostile atmosphere towards journalists and media workers persists.
IJAS expects the police to identify those responsible for attacking the N1 reporter and to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against them.
At the same time, we remind the authorities that it is the duty of the police to protect participants in public gatherings and to ensure that journalists can perform their work safely and without obstruction. Without effective protection of media workers, the public’s right to information cannot be fully guaranteed.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 19 July 2026
