The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) strongly condemns the verbal attack on photojournalist Marko Dragoslavić and the obstruction of his work.
According to Dragoslavić, the incident occurred while he was photographing a construction site in the forest of Stepin Lug, where, as he stated, construction was continuing despite a ban issued by the construction inspection.
Dragoslavić told IJAS that he was wearing a “press” vest and a clearly visible press ID, that he introduced himself to the workers at the site, after which they told him that he had to speak with the investor, whom they called by phone. When the journalist explained to the investor why he had come, according to his words, the investor replied: “I’ll come now and you’ll see,” after which one of the workers told him that it would be better for him to run away so that he would not be killed. The case has been reported to the competent prosecutor’s office.
IJAS emphasizes that such verbal attacks and obstruction of media workers from performing their duties are absolutely unacceptable, as they represent a direct threat to safety and an attempt at intimidation aimed at preventing reporting on issues of public interest. The public has the right to be informed about events of public interest, and journalists and photojournalists must be able to report on such topics without pressure, threats, or violence.
We also remind that photojournalists, due to the nature of their work and their presence in the field, are often targets of threats and attacks, and that it is the responsibility of institutions to respond effectively to every case in which their safety is endangered.
IJAS calls on the competent authorities to urgently take all measures within their jurisdiction in order to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, January 16, 2026
