IJAS: Attacks on Journalists in Jelašnica and Grljan Are Direct Assault on Media Freedom

The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the attacks on journalists during reporting at a gathering in Jelašnica, as well as the obstruction of media coverage at an event in Grljan, near Zaječar, which took place on May 30, 2025, as part of the Serbian Progressive Party’s election campaign.

 

The team from N1 Television, led by journalist Miodrag Sovilj, along with Miljko Stojanović, a journalist from the local media outlet Glas Zaječara, were subjected to verbal and physical violence by individuals present at the gathering. According to N1’s report, journalists were physically removed from the event, the cameraman was struck on the hands in an attempt to force him to lower the camera, while his camera lens was covered by hands. Reporter Miodrag Sovilj stated that certain individuals pulled and pushed them until they were expelled from the event.

 

Particularly concerning is the fact that journalist Miljko Stojanović had his phone taken during the incident, after which he was also forcibly removed. Police officers present did not react adequately at first, reportedly saying, “slowly, slowly.” The phone was returned after 15 minutes, when one of the attackers said he would give it back if the journalists left the premises.

 

Additionally, in the town of Grljan near Zaječar, journalists from Glas Zaječara, TV Nova, Insajder, and N1 TV were not allowed to report from the event, being told they lacked accreditation — although they were previously unaware that any accreditation was required, and no instructions were provided on-site about how to obtain it to be able to carry out their work.

 

We call on the relevant authorities to promptly conduct an investigation, identify those responsible, and impose appropriate sanctions. We particularly urge the police to act preventively and in accordance with the law when securing public events and to respond immediately against attackers, in order to ensure journalists can work safely and without obstruction. We also call on all political actors to publicly distance themselves from acts of violence and contribute to creating an environment in which journalists can work freely, and on the organizers of such gatherings to take all necessary measures to ensure the uninterrupted work of journalists.

 

These incidents represent a direct attack on media freedom and the public’s right to be informed. Physical violence, interference with journalists’ work, and preventing them from reporting on events of public interest are unacceptable and require an immediate response from the competent institutions.

 

Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia

Belgrade, May 30, 2025

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