The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) strongly condemns the recent threats directed at Brankica Stanković during two football matches between Partizan and Budućnost, as well as the misogynistic insults and threats journalist Anđela Ristanijević received via Facebook.
The threats endured over the years by the editor-in-chief of Insajder have, unfortunately, become a recurring pattern of intimidation, which the state continues to fail to address effectively. Despite similar threats against Brankica Stanković being recorded during matches in 2022 and 2023, the legal process has yet to be concluded, and most perpetrators remain unidentified. This failure fosters a climate of impunity and directly encourages further violence against journalists.
It is particularly alarming that these threats recur year after year in full view of the public, while institutions – the police and prosecution – continue to shift responsibility and avoid taking concrete action. We remind the public that endangering safety and violent behavior are criminal offenses that require mandatory prosecution.
IJAS also strongly condemns the misogynistic, explicit, and brutal insults and threats sent to journalist Anđela Ristanijević on Facebook. These messages are not isolated attacks, but attempts to silence, intimidate, and exclude women journalists from public life.
We call on the Ministry of Interior, public prosecutors, and all relevant institutions to urgently take all necessary measures to identify and prosecute those responsible for these threats and insults. The state must demonstrate that it is willing and able to protect journalists, especially when their safety is endangered due to work done in the public interest.
The threats against Brankica Stanković have already been reported, and IJAS will file a report regarding the threats to Anđela Ristanijević. IJAS will also notify both domestic and international organizations about these threats and the alarming trend of attacks and intimidation targeting journalists. Every attack and threat must be met with a clear and decisive institutional response to ensure journalists can work freely and safely.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 13 June 2025
