The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the verbal attacks, threats, and insults directed at journalists Mihajlo Stojković and Radmilo Marković.
In Vranje, Darko Stanojević—member of the City Committee of the Socialist Party of Serbia and head of one of the departments at the Vranje Health Center—insulted the editor of the InfoVranjske portal, Mihajlo Stojković, as well as his family, via social media. In an extremely crude manner, Stanojević called the journalist offensive names such as “Teletubby” and “a pig with bulging eyes.” He also mentioned other members of Stojković’s family in a negative context. The post containing these insults was subsequently removed. The attack came in response to Stojković’s article, “Leaked correspondence – Darko Stanojević called for a (counter-)rally: ‘So that I’m not the one who hates.’”
This attack, coming from a member of the ruling party, is particularly alarming as it shows that politicians—rather than protecting media freedom—often become a source of pressure on journalists. Local media, already in a difficult position and under constant pressure, are facing new forms of violence and intimidation; such rhetoric toward journalists can be considered political pressure on the work of local outlets. This is not only an attack on the journalist as an individual, but also on the very essence of freedom of expression and the public’s right to be informed.
Threats and hate messages directed at BIRN journalist Radmilo Marković are another alarming case. A person using the Facebook profile name “Dušan Grujić” sent a direct message that, amid a stream of insults, told Marković: “I have only one thing to tell you: you’ll be running into holes, you bald rat.” This threat, couched in violent language, is yet another example of increasingly frequent attempts to intimidate journalists and stifle independent journalism.
Both cases have been reported to the competent authorities, and IJAS demands a prompt, thorough, and effective investigation in both instances, as well as accountability for those responsible—regardless of their political affiliation. Such behavior, which includes threats, insults, and violence against journalists, must be sanctioned in order to send a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated.
We especially call on the competent institutions to recognize the seriousness of the situation and to do everything in their power to protect journalists from further attacks, threats, and political pressure. Attacks on journalists are not merely attacks on individuals; they are attacks on the foundations of democracy. Free and independent media are essential to a healthy social system, and the protection of journalists and their rights must be a priority for all institutions and for society as a whole.
IJAS will continue to closely monitor these and similar cases, advocate for the punishment of those responsible, and work to prevent such incidents in the future.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, 27 October 2025
