The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the latest threats directed at the newsroom of the online portal Radar, posted in the form of website comments. These threats represent a serious endangerment of journalists’ safety and an attempt to intimidate the editorial team for their work in the public interest.
The comments were posted last night by a user under the name “Milorad5”, who has been regularly posting negative remarks on Radar’s articles. The messages contain elements of violent threats and dangerous insinuations.
One comment read: “And once again, the radar detects only clouds, though it was designed for airplanes. What a bunch of clowns you are, but now you’ll see what a real circus looks like.”
Another said: “Hey Radists, I wouldn’t mess with the sheikhs, they have a short fuse. After this, I’m sure you’ll regret your long muddy tongue, and not for the LITTLE MONEY you’re getting, but for little money in general—there are plenty of subcontractors out there, practically kamikazes. You’re unbelievably stupid.”
These threats were made in response to two articles published this morning, and Radar’s newsroom immediately reported the incident to the High-Tech Crime Prosecutor’s Office. We remind the public that this is not the first time Radar has faced threats. It is especially concerning that previous reports have not resulted in the identification or prosecution of those responsible, with authorities citing technical difficulties in tracing IP addresses.
IJAS stresses that the state is obligated to ensure the safety of journalists and that no threat against them should go unanswered.
We call on the High-Tech Crime Prosecutor’s Office to act swiftly on this report and urge the Ministry of the Interior to take all necessary steps, in cooperation with relevant institutions, to identify the person behind these threats. We also emphasize that every form of journalist intimidation must be treated with utmost seriousness, as attacks on journalists are attacks on freedom of expression and the public’s right to be informed.
