The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the threats and targeting of journalists, as well as any form of endangering their safety due to their professional work, and emphasizes that such pressures are unacceptable in a democratic society and represent a direct attack on media freedom and the public’s right to be informed.
Predrag Simonović published the article “A New Criminal Police Directorate Takes the Stage – Personnel solves everything” in the weekly Radar, which was posted on the weekly’s official website, after which he received a disturbing comment containing threats. The comment was posted by a person signed as “Slučajni prolaznik” (“Random Passerby”), and, among other things, it alludes to the journalist “taking a walk by the frozen Danube in this winter weather.” According to Simonović, the content of the comment suggests that its author possesses information about the journalist’s private life, which constitutes a serious cause for concern and is perceived as a direct threat. Simonović reported the case to the Prosecutor’s Office for High-Tech Crime.
At the same time, IJAS also points to the case of targeting journalists from N1 television. In Kula and surrounding towns (Krstur and Kruščić), posters appeared targeting the “Mladi Kula” list, featuring a pyramid-like display of photographs of journalists: at the top of the pyramid is a photograph of journalist Sanja Kosović, while at the bottom is a photograph of journalist Ina Džakula. The same content was also published on the Instagram page “Glas građana,” further intensifying the targeting and transferring it into the digital space.
IJAS reminds the public that public labeling, targeting, and threats against journalists are unacceptable and represent a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and to safe working conditions. It is particularly concerning when such pressures are carried out through allusions to private life and personal safety, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
We demand that the competent institutions react urgently, identify those responsible, and ensure protection for journalists who are exposed to threats. Failure by the competent institutions to respond in such cases effectively normalizes threats against journalists and encourages their continued exposure to pressure and attacks.
IJAS will continue to monitor these cases and provide all available support to colleagues who are exposed to threats and targeting.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS)
Belgrade, January 23, 2026
