The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) condemns the intimidation and obstruction of Media and Reform Center Niš journalist Magdalena Kostić, who was surrounded by several men and prevented from carrying out her journalistic assignment while reporting from a marketplace in the Durlan neighbourhood of Niš. We call on the police to promptly identify and establish the responsibility of those who invaded her personal space, photographed and filmed her, and demanded that she leave a public area.
Magdalena Kostić was reporting on pre-election activities at the marketplace, where stands had been set up by the Student List and the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). After speaking with citizens near the Student List stand, she also attempted to interview people gathered near the SNS stand.
She was prevented from doing so by four men standing near the stand. They surrounded the journalist, demanded that she move away, questioned who she was and why she was filming, and accused her of “provoking” them. They continued behaving in this manner even after she showed them her press card. Due to their aggressive conduct and invasion of her personal space, Kostić said she feared for her safety and was unable to complete her journalistic assignment.
The incident was reported to the police, who immediately notified the public prosecutor.
IJAS emphasises that no one has the right to dictate where journalists may stand in a public space, what they may film or whom they may speak to. Reporting on the pre-election activities of political parties and electoral lists is unquestionably a matter of public interest, and journalists have both the right and the duty to provide citizens with access to a range of views.
Surrounding a journalist, invading her personal space, and photographing and filming her with the aim of intimidation constitute unacceptable pressure and serious obstruction of journalistic work. It is particularly concerning that the incident occurred during an election campaign, when the ability of the media to work freely and safely is essential to citizens’ right to receive timely and objective information.
We call on all political actors and participants in the electoral process to clearly communicate to their members, activists and supporters that pressure on journalists is unacceptable and that the media must be allowed to carry out their work without obstruction.
IJAS will monitor the actions of the competent authorities in this case and provide the necessary support to journalist Magdalena Kostić and the Media and Reform Center Niš editorial team.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 18 September 2026
