The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS/NUNS) expresses serious concern over reports that, following today’s employee assembly of employees at Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), at least five colleagues were summoned for informative interviews by various inspectors.
The RTS employee assembly was held on April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the broadcaster’s headquarters, with over 50 colleagues in attendance. Only a few hours after the gathering, five of them were called in for interviews.
It is particularly concerning that among those summoned are individuals affiliated with the informal group of RTS employees called “Naš pRoTeSt,” which advocates for greater professional accountability and freedom of expression within the public broadcaster.
The summoning of employees for informative interviews in response to legitimate and peaceful expression of opinion raises serious concerns regarding pressure on freedom of expression and the right to union organization. We remind the public that the right to assembly and free expression are fundamental democratic freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia and international standards, including the European Convention on Human Rights.
We also emphasize that media employees, like all citizens, can be called for informative interviews only in accordance with legal procedures and with a clear explanation of the reasons for the summons. Any deviation from this may constitute a form of intimidation or an attempt to exert pressure—especially if related to their professional work, union activity, or public statements.
IJAS calls on the relevant institutions to urgently provide an explanation regarding this case and to ensure that all procedures are conducted in full respect of the right to legal assistance and freedom of expression. We also call on RTS to protect its employees from any form of repression related to their participation in legitimate forms of expression and their advocacy for professional and labor standards.
If it turns out that these interviews were an attempt to intimidate employees for expressing dissent regarding editorial policy or for engaging in union or professional activities, this would represent a serious blow to media freedom in Serbia.
IJAS will continue to monitor the case and provide full support to colleagues facing pressure related to their work and public engagement.
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS),
Belgrade, April 16, 2025
