ANEM ALARM: The violence of the guards at the illegal tent settlement in Pionirski Park against female and male journalists continues.
The news team from N1 television was stopped at the entrance to Pioneer Park, next to the City Assembly building, by a "marshal," as he introduced himself, who has been identified on social media from previous similar violent incidents as M.S. (34) from Sombor. He is reported to have been convicted multiple times and to have spent some time in prison.
Together with another bully, they physically prevented journalist Žaklina Tatalović and the cameraman from entering Pionirski Park, using insults and hate speech: "We are protecting Serbia from scum like you," "You are the scum that is destroying Serbia," "... you, Ustasha media do not interest me."
The self-proclaimed steward of the illegal tent settlement arrogantly claimed control over the public space, the passage next to the Belgrade City Assembly building and the entrance to Pionirski Grad. He responded arrogantly to the question of how to introduce himself: "Let me tell you," and when asked why he does not allow the crew to enter the park, he replied, "Because I can."
This time, the police officers present did not react to this bullying and arrogant behavior, even when the journalist called on them to intervene.
The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) demands that representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs ensure journalists can work freely and protect them from bullies with criminal records who present themselves as owners of public spaces such as Pionirski Park.
We demand that this area, which is protected as a natural monument and contains cultural monuments, be immediately freed and returned to its purpose, primarily for children.
Let us remind you, ANEM published the "Chronology of Attacks on Media Workers in the Area Between Pionirski Park and the Serbian Assembly," which recorded 25 attacks and obstructions against journalists during the year 2025.
Veran Matić, President of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and Member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists
The project "System for the Prevention of Violence and Protection of Journalists" is conducted by ANEM in partnership with Insajder TV and the Center for the Development of Local Media, with the support of the European Union.
