The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the physical attack on the journalist of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Saša Dragojlo, which happened today, March 23, around 3:00 p.m., in the Boulevard of King Aleksandar near Đeram Market in Belgrade. According to available information, recordings and the testimony of Saša Dragojlo, the attack on the journalist while he was performing his duty was carried out by an activist of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). After the journalist identified himself, the attacker became even more aggressive.
Of particular concern is the fact that the police officers, although present at the scene, reacted inadequately, did not identify or detain the attacker, despite the fact that journalist Dragojlo presented them with his journalist’s identification. This behavior of the police represents a serious violation of professional standards and obligations to protect citizens, especially journalists on assignment.
Journalists enjoy enhanced criminal protection in the performance of their work. According to Article 138, paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia, stricter penalties are provided for endangering the safety of persons who perform tasks of public importance in the field of information.
The competent prosecutor’s office has been informed about this incident and we demand an immediate and effective investigation, identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack on colleague Dragojlo. Also, we demand that the Ministry of Internal Affairs conduct an internal control of the work of the police officers who were present during the incident and determine the reasons for their inadequate behavior.
Attacks on journalists represent attacks on media freedom and the public’s right to be informed. Therefore, we request all competent institutions to ensure the safety of journalists and enable them to perform their professional tasks without any fear of violence or intimidation.
IJAS will continue to monitor the development of the situation and inform the domestic and international public about all further steps.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS),
Belgrade, March 23, 2025
