ANEM ALARM: New threats to the editorial team of INMedija from Inđija

The editorial team of the INMedija portal has been receiving disturbing and threatening messages from various addresses over an extended period, but with a similar or identical style and content, making it reasonable to assume that they originate from the same individual. In the latest message, a threat is announced: “a witch hunt is coming for you,” and from the part of the message stating “delete the comment since you keep doing this to me,” it is clear that this is a person who regularly sends disturbing messages and acts with direct intent.

The operator on the SOS line for reporting threats and attacks on female and male journalists reported the threat to the competent prosecutor's office, suggesting that they investigate the claims in the report and take criminal action against the individual for the criminal offense of Endangerment of Safety as per Article 138, paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, or the criminal offense of Stalking under Article 138a of the Criminal Code, or some other criminal offense for which prosecution is initiated ex officio.

“The editorial team of INMedija, in addition to frequent endangerment of safety through threats and physical attacks, is exposed to economic harassment through SLAPP lawsuits, with the obvious aim of destroying one of the few independent media outlets. Thanks to solidarity with this editorial team, this has been prevented for now. We call on representatives of the international community and donors to help ensure the survival of free and professional journalism in Serbia,” stated Veran Matić, operator on the SOS line for threats and attacks on journalists from the Association of Independent Electronic Media and a member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists.

The editorial team of INMedija from Inđija has been under attack since its establishment. The chief editor, Verica Marinčić, has been physically attacked multiple times. She has been targeted with motorcycles, assaulted at protests, and physically thrown out of the town hall in Inđija. Threats and insults are daily occurrences, even including desecration of her mother's grave.

ANEM reminds that in recent months, the safety of journalists in Serbia has been further compromised, with an increase in the number of threats, pressures, and attacks against female and male journalists who are professionally carrying out their work.

We call on the relevant authorities to respond without delay, identify, and sanction all individuals who threaten the safety of female and male journalists and obstruct their work.

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)

The project “Improving the System of Prevention and Response Mechanisms in Cases of Threats to the Safety and Lives of Female and Male Journalists in Serbia” is being implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insajder TV and the Center for the 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 Journalists and Other Vulnerable Media Workers,” within the EU-funded project “Strengthening Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Serbia.”