The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the decision of the Council for National Minorities of the Republic of Croatia, which reduced the funds of the Independent Serbian weekly Novosti by 35 percent compared to last year. This decision represents a worrying continuation of the pressure on Novosti, which has been suffering threats and political attacks for months, primarily from the Domovinski pokret party.
What is particularly concerning is the fact that Domovinski pokret has, on multiple occasions—including public statements during the election campaign and on the front pages of the most widely circulated media—announced a reduction or complete cessation of funding for Novosti. This decision by the Council now appears to be the realization of political pressure, further undermining trust in the independence and autonomy of institutions that should be protecting minority rights, not implementing political agendas.
The decision of the Council for National Minorities, made contrary to established practice and without clear legal grounds, reveals the deep politicization of a body that should be protecting the rights of national minorities, not undermining them. Particularly alarming is the fact that Novosti is the only minority media outlet to have its funding reduced, making this decision not only selective but also discriminatory—especially given the vague criteria, despite the fact that Novosti’s editorial policy has not changed, and yet that very same editorial policy has now suddenly become the reason for a drastic reduction in support.
Attempts to limit the work of Novosti due to political content that certain political actors do not like, represent a dangerous form of political censorship and directly violate the constitutional rights of national minorities, as well as media freedom. Freedom of expression includes the right of all media, including minority media, to report freely and without fear on all topics of public interest.
The SafeJournalists network calls on the Government of the Republic of Croatia and all relevant institutions to urgently review this discriminatory decision and protect the rights of media and journalists from political pressure. Also, we call on the Council for National Minorities to respect its own mandate and standards, and not to contribute to the collapse of minority and media rights with its actions.
Any threat to free and independent journalism is a threat to democracy, the public interest and the rights of all citizens. We will not tolerate pressure on our colleagues, nor will we remain silent in the face of institutionalized discrimination.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform all relevant international organizations and interested parties about this case.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, April 25, 2025
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
