The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia (IJAS) strongly condemns the new death threats and threats of violence directed at Igor Velić via social media, which seriously jeopardize his personal safety.
On the Facebook page “Borski blok,” under an animated video that targets and discredits Igor Velić, comments were posted containing explicit calls for violence. From a profile named “Ika Mijatov,” a threat was made stating: “eliminate him, why not? no real loss,” while a profile “Radjen Milan” posted the comment: “He should be lynched… as if anyone is afraid of him… those Piculici are traitors,” along with a series of insults and humiliating labels. These comments constitute open incitement to violence and directly endanger his safety.
Particularly troubling is the fact that the targeting continued the following day with the publication of another video on the same Facebook page and the similarly named Instagram account. In the video, without any evidence, Velić is accused of manipulative behavior and alleged intentions to undermine Serbia’s stability, while animated depictions and edited footage suggest that he is in prison, that he carries a knife, and that he is prone to alcohol abuse. Additional concern is caused by the fact that, in his view, the video implies that his movements are being monitored and surveilled, as well as the publication of his private photo with his fiancée in a hospitality venue, which is a gross intrusion into his privacy and further heightens his sense of insecurity.
IJAS notes that these threats are not an isolated incident, but a direct consequence of days-long targeting on a page that clearly serves to discredit and intimidate dissenting voices. The continuity of the threats, their severity, and the manner in which they are disseminated in the public sphere clearly indicate a real danger to Igor Velić’s safety.
We demand an urgent and effective response from the competent institutions, the identification of those responsible, and their prosecution in accordance with the law. Any further ignoring of such threats sends the message that violence against critics is permitted and goes unpunished.
IJAS warns that the normalization of hate speech, targeting, and public calls for violence directly undermines fundamental human rights, freedom of expression, and individual safety. The state has an obligation to act immediately, before threats turn into physical violence.
IJAS will continue to closely monitor this case, as well as all further actions taken by the relevant institutions, and will provide Igor Velić with full professional and public support. We will not allow threats, targeting, and organized intimidation campaigns to be downplayed or covered up.
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Belgrade, January 25, 2026
