ANEM ALERT: New threats against journalist Miljk Stojanović on social media

Let us remind you that this is yet another in a series of serious threats that the journalist from Zaječar has received over the past few years. Stojanović, in addition to threats on social media, is also facing frequent disruptions to his work, harassment, and physical attacks, making him one of the journalists in Serbia whose safety is most at risk. Only last year, four cases were initiated in the public prosecutor's offices related to attacks on Miljko Stojanović.

"In three out of the four cases, the prosecutor's office assessed that there was no criminal offense to pursue ex officio, and only one remains open. Miljko Stojanović is often a target of threats and attacks and is practically unprotected, as he has also been attacked by the police. We insist that the accumulated cases threatening the ongoing work of editorial offices, especially local media whose role is of exceptional importance for informing the public about topics of public interest, be taken more seriously," stated Veran Matić.

ANEM calls on the relevant authorities to take these repeated threats and threats to the safety of journalists seriously and to identify and prosecute all perpetrators in order to enable safe and uninterrupted information to the public at all levels in Serbia.

The impunity for attacks on journalists, especially those who are frequent targets of threats, insults, and attacks, encourages attackers to continue their assaults knowing they will not be prosecuted.

We appeal to all journalists, female journalists, and media representatives to regularly report any kind of threat to their safety while performing their work. All journalists have access to a toll-free phone number and direct line to ANEM at 0800 100 115, where media representatives can receive explanations regarding the legal treatment of offenses and the procedures that need to be initiated to report threats to their safety to the relevant institutions, police, and prosecutors.

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)

The project "Improvement of the System of Mechanisms for Prevention and Response in Cases of Threats to the Safety and Life of Female and Male Journalists in Serbia" is being implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insider TV and the Center for Development of Local Media, with the support of the European Union.

The OSCE Mission in Serbia has supported ANEM's project "24/7 SOS Hotline for Assistance to Journalists and Other Vulnerable Media Workers," as part of the EU-funded project "Strengthening Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Serbia."