OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

More journalists were attacked in #Serbia. These unacceptable acts hamper the state of #MediaFreedom & democracy in the country. The authorities should systematically investigate & prosecute all cases of violence against journalists, in line with their #OSCE commitments.

The recent assault on journalist Vuk Cvijic in #Serbia is deplorable. I join @OSCE_Serbia in commending the police & prosecution for their quick reaction, which should lead to a thorough investigation & to justice served. Violence against journalists is an attack on #MediaFreedom

Pleased to learn that the Belgrade Court of Appeals in #Serbia has brought to justice all those responsible for the 2018 arson attack on journalist Milan Jovanovic's home. Swift resolution of all instances of violence targeting journalists is crucial, as is ensuring their safety.

Today, we remember the courageous journalist Slavko Ćuruvija who was brutally murdered 25 years ago in #Serbia. The fact that this heinous crime remains unresolved is deeply disturbing. Impunity is not only an attack on #mediafreedom but on society as a whole.

I am deeply dismayed by today's verdict from the Belgrade Appellate Court, where all defendants were acquitted in the Ćuruvija murder case. Justice for journalists is crucial for a free press & a rule-of-law society in #Serbia. Statement w/ @OSCE_Serbia👇

https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/562326

While I am glad to hear that the court has convicted the perpetrator for threats directed against OK radio employees in #Serbia during last year’s trial, I reiterate my earlier call: all pending cases of attacks on media must be resolved to enable a free & safe media environment.

Last week’s violent attack on phojournalist Milan Šupica & crews of RTS & @PrvaSrpskaTV in #Serbia is deeply concerning. While I appreciate the prompt action taken by the police, it's essential to ensure a safe environment for journalists by swiftly prosecuting those responsible.

Today, we remember that 24 years ago journalist Slavko Ćuruvija was killed for his work in #Serbia. I expect that the upcoming verdict by the Belgrade Court of Appeal will be issued soon and that justice will be finally served for this heinous crime. #NoImpunity

The increasing targeting of journalists in #Serbia is a worrying trend for #mediafreedom and #freedomofexpression. With Head of OSCE Mission to Serbia, I urge the authorities to swiftly investigate all incidents & bring the responsible to account.

Statement 👇

https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/538743

I welcome the recent court decision in #Serbia in favor of @KRIKrs editors @bj_spooky and @StevanOCCRP in a defamation lawsuit over an investigative article on police work. It is of crucial importance to ensure that all media workers can do their job without being legally harassed.

I am concerned by the numerous death threats @novarsonline journalist @JelenaObucina in #Serbia has been receiving lately. This should be swiftly investigated and stopped. Protection of journalists is of paramount importance and one of the pre-conditions for #mediafreedom. #SOFJO

Again, #Serbia journalists have been threatened, with Danas chief-editor Dragoljub Petrović receiving deadly threats against the newsroom because of its editorial policy. I reiterate: such intimidations seriously chill #mediafreedom and must not go unpunished.

I welcome prison sentences handed down to persons responsible for threats against OK radio employees in #Serbia & hope that all pending cases of attacks on the media will be resolved. Any obstruction of safety of journalists poses great threat to #mediafreedom. #noimpunity

The recent gulf of violent threats & accusations against journalists in #Serbia is very concerning. Such targeting of media has no place in democratic society. Effective & timely prosecution of all threats & attacks is key to ending impunity. My statement: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/516990