The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the threats directed at Dragan Karalazić, journalist of the “Podrinske” editorial team from Šabac, which were made via comments on social media.
On the newsroom’s official Facebook page, under the article “Twilight Zone in Little Paris” authored by Karalazić, a user under the name Siniša Kolundžić posted an offensive and threatening comment, including the message: “You need a dagger.”
IJAS will report these threats to the competent authorities and calls on the prosecution and the police to respond without delay and take all legally prescribed measures.
We remind the public that the “Podrinske” newsroom has previously been the target of intimidation — from public smear campaigns to physical threats. We particularly highlight the 2021 case in which posters with the name and photo of journalist Isidora Kovačević were plastered around town. That trial lasted just over a year, while the entire process including the investigation took three years, resulting in a two-year prison sentence for one perpetrator.
IJAS demands systemic and resolute protection for journalists and stresses that the safety of media professionals is not only a professional matter but a societal issue of the utmost importance.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, 24 June 2025
