The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the attack on Nikoleta Jošović, a journalist from Glas Šumadije, which occurred in Kragujevac while she was reporting from a public event.
The incident took place in front of the “Balkan” tavern, in the city center, where two groups had gathered — on one side, members and activists of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), and on the other, dissatisfied citizens expressing their views and discontent, shouting that the government had ruined Kragujevac. In an attempt to document the situation on the ground, journalist Jošović was physically attacked by a woman who was at the SNS booth; the woman hit her tripod, knocking over her phone and microphone.
A police officer immediately approached the woman who attacked the journalist and then spoke with the journalist herself, who later gave a statement at the police station.
This is just one in a series of incidents in which journalists have been attacked while doing their job. This attack is not an isolated case, but rather part of a disturbing trend in which journalists across Serbia are increasingly being obstructed, intimidated, insulted, physically attacked, and exposed to pressure while trying to report on matters of public interest. Such incidents directly endanger media freedom and journalists, who have for years been targets of attacks and public smearing.
We remind that journalists have the right to report freely from public gatherings and events, especially those of interest to citizens. Physical attacks, intimidation, and attempts to obstruct their work represent serious violations of the right to free and professional journalism.
We demand from the competent authorities to respond urgently, identify and prosecute the person responsible for the attack, and ensure conditions under which journalists can work safely. We particularly appeal that a clear and unambiguous message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated have to be sent.
We call on the Serbian Progressive Party to clearly and unequivocally distance itself from the behavior of the person at their booth, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that journalists are able to do their work freely and safely.
The attack on journalist Nikoleta Jošović is not only an attack on one individual, but also on the entire profession and on the public’s right to be informed. Every attack on journalists is an attack on freedom of speech and media, the cornerstones of a democratic society.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, May 29, 2025
