The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) condemns the intimidation and threats directed at Enes Radetinac, editor of the Novi Pazar-based A1tv.net portal, as well as the inappropriate conduct of Sulejman Durević, Head of the Urban Construction Land Sector at the Novi Pazar City Construction Directorate.
Radetinac recorded cracks on a recently repaired bridge in Novi Pazar and posted the footage on the Facebook page of the A1tv.net portal. Durević subsequently posted a video in the comments beneath the post, initially showing workers repairing a hole in the new asphalt. Threats against the journalist and a misogynistic remark directed at a woman can be heard in the video. At one point, Durević turns the camera towards himself and “blows a kiss”, apparently directed at the A1tv.net newsroom.
One of the workers can be heard saying: “I’d f*** that guy filming over there with a shovel. He was filming us there for A1… I nearly caught that female colleague.”
IJAS condemns the threat and calls on the competent prosecutor’s office to investigate all the circumstances of the case and identify the person who made it. We also condemn the misogynistic remark and expect the Directorate to establish the responsibility of its employees and initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings.
It is particularly concerning that Durević published a video containing insulting and threatening messages and then, through a gesture directed at the newsroom, further contributed to an atmosphere of ridicule and intimidation. We call on him to publicly apologise to Enes Radetinac and the A1tv.net newsroom.
Representatives of public institutions are obliged to communicate with journalists professionally and respectfully, while acknowledging their role in informing the public. If the intention was to inform the newsroom that the problem on the bridge had been repaired, Durević could have done so through official channels, without threats, insults or inappropriate remarks.
Reporting on the condition of public infrastructure is undoubtedly a matter of public interest. Journalists must not be subjected to threats, humiliation or intimidation for carrying out such work.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 6 August 2026
