The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) strongly condemns the statement of Minister of Information and Telecommunications Boris Bratina, who called independent journalists “morons” on Informer TV, as well as the broadcasting of intimate photographs of student Nikolina Sinđelić on the same channel.
Appearing yesterday on Informer TV, the Minister stated, among other things:
“I’m sick of answering these morons from Nova S and N1. When I talk about Serbs through history, they shout that it’s a conspiracy. It’s not a conspiracy, those are facts. We are that kind of people, we must look through history.”
During his appearance, the studio displayed the caption “Occupying Media Platforms,” alongside the logos of Danas, N1, Nova, and RTS.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia considers Minister Bratina’s statement irresponsible, inappropriate, and unworthy of the office he holds, as well as extremely dangerous because it continues the practice of targeting independent media and journalists — a practice that can seriously endanger journalists’ safety.
The ministry he leads often calls for dialogue with journalists and media associations, attempting to present an image of media pluralism and respect for press freedom, while at the same time the minister insults and disparages those media outlets that are not under government control.
Instead of joining in the insults and targeting of independent journalists, Minister Bratina should have reacted to the offensive messages displayed during his appearance on this channel. By failing to do so and by insulting and targeting journalists himself, he has shown that he does not understand either his office or the responsibility it entails.
On the same channel, where Minister Bratina gladly appears and answers “questions,” editor-in-chief Dragan Vučićević knowingly violated the Criminal Code, the Law on Public Information and Media, the Law on Electronic Media, the Code of Journalists of Serbia, and all professional standards by broadcasting, live on air, the intimate photographs of student Nikolina Sinđelić — without censorship and without her consent. Of particular concern are Vučićević’s comments regarding these photographs, which further deepen the humiliation and violence inflicted upon Nikolina.
We remind that the Criminal Code prescribes punishment for anyone who publishes or displays a personal photograph without the consent of the person depicted, where such consent is legally required, thereby seriously violating the privacy of that individual.
It is especially alarming and utterly unacceptable that despite such disgraceful and unlawful conduct, the country’s highest officials regularly appear as guests on Informer TV, thereby granting it legitimacy and institutional support. In doing so, they not only ignore blatant violations of the law and human rights, but also actively contribute to the normalization of media violence, humiliation, and the brutal targeting of dissenting voices.
We expect Minister Bratina to clearly and publicly condemn such conduct by those responsible at Informer TV and to apologize for his offensive statements directed at independent journalists and media.
We also call on the competent institutions — above all the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM) — to urgently respond to the flagrant violations of the law and professional standards on Informer TV. Otherwise, their failure to act will be a clear sign of complicity in the dismantling of media freedom and the public interest.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 21 August 2025
