The SafeJournalists network expresses its strongest condemnation regarding two separate incidents in which photojournalist Gavrilo Andrić from Serbia was attacked within just a few days while professionally reporting on events of public interest.
The first incident occurred on June 8 in Kosjerić, on the day of local elections, when a member of the Serbian Progressive Party and director of the Kosjerić Tourist Organization, Dragan Tripković, physically attacked Andrić in front of the police station. The attack took place in the presence of several police officers, who did not intervene. When Andrić attempted to report the attack to them, he was told that he could file a report later. After entering the police station, the case was reported, but the on-duty prosecutor concluded that there were no elements of a criminal offense. A police officer informed Andrić that a warning measure would be issued, with a recommendation to file a private lawsuit.
The second incident occurred on June 10 in Belgrade, in front of the Sava Center, where a meeting was being held to plan the EXPO. During a student protest, when demonstrators attempted to display a banner reading “Exposed – Same thieves bigger stage”, the police intervened. Andrić tried to document the event, but two police officers prevented him from doing so. One of them swung at his camera, and when he missed, grabbed his backpack and pulled him, demanding his ID. Although Andrić showed his press credentials, the officer insisted that he leave the scene.
Andrić was detained by the police last month, on May 16, during a civil protest and the blockade of the court and prosecutor’s office in Novi Sad, for the purpose of establishing his identity, even though he had his ID card with him. After giving a statement to the police, he was released without any proceedings being initiated.”
The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia emphasizes that these attacks represent a troubling continuation of the trend of physical violence and institutional pressure against journalists in Serbia, particularly in the context of reporting on protests, political gatherings, and other events of public importance. Journalists who dare to report objectively on developments involving government officials, political parties, or state institutions are increasingly becoming targets of verbal and physical assaults, intimidation, and interference in their work.
Particularly concerning is the fact that the police, instead of protecting journalists and enabling them to work without obstruction, are increasingly becoming direct perpetrators of violence or accomplices by failing to respond to attacks occurring before their eyes. Such behavior sends a message of impunity and discourages journalists from reporting on issues that are crucial to the functioning of a democratic society.
The SafeJournalists network reminds that such attacks are not only violations of fundamental human rights but also constitute a direct assault on media freedom and the public’s right to be informed. Journalists must be allowed to do their jobs freely and without fear of violence or intimidation.
The Network calls on the competent institutions, primarily the police and the prosecutor’s office, to urgently respond to both cases of the attack on our colleague Andrić, to identify and prosecute those responsible, and to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. We also demand that the Ministry of Internal Affairs initiate proceedings against the police officer who used force against the photojournalist, thereby directly violating his authority and professional duties.
We call on political parties and their officials to immediately cease attacks on media workers and to publicly condemn such behavior. Only through joint efforts can we ensure a safe and free environment for journalists, who contribute daily to informing the public and strengthening democratic society.
The SafeJournalists network will inform national and international stakeholders about these concerning developments and will urge them to closely monitor the situation and apply additional pressure on institutions in Serbia to guarantee the safety of journalists and respect for their rights.
Every attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, the public interest, and fundamental human rights.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 12 June 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
