The SafeJournalists Network expresses its full support to our colleagues from Nova TV who were yesterday victims of a brutal attack in the municipality of Marina in Croatia. The Network strongly condemns this act of violence and calls for the urgent detection and prosecution of all those involved in this appalling attack on journalists.
The incident occurred following a report broadcast on Sunday evening in the segment “Poziv” which exposed an illegal cemetery built on private land, despite the owner claiming he had not given permission. During the filming of that report, businessman Marijan Ugrina addressed the TV crew in a threatening manner, demanding that they turn off the cameras, saying: “Turn off the camera, I will break your camera,” while the mayor of municipality Ante Mamut refused to speak to journalists, offering an incoherent excuse about feeling unwell. On the same day the police arrested Ante Mamut, in connection with the illegal cemetery case.
The day after the report aired, the State Inspectorate ordered the closure of the illegal cemetery. The situation escalated yesterday, on Monday May 4th, when journalist Tea Johman Nitraj, together with cameramen Kristijan Janton and Tomislav Sladić, attempted to report live from the location.
According to information shared by Nitraj, at one point around fifteen individuals appeared and rushed toward her, while the two cameramen tried to protect her. The attackers forcibly took the cameras from them and physically pushed both the journalists and the reporter into the team’s vehicle.
Such acts of violence represent a serious attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists. The SafeJournalists Network urges the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to send a clear message that violence against journalists will not be tolerated.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to closely monitor this case.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, May 5, 2026
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
