ANEM alarm: Police blinding of journalist Vuk Cvijić

The attack was deliberately aimed only at him, even though he was in the company of friends and colleagues. This concerns one of the most renowned and best investigative journalists, whose work encompasses corruption and abuses within institutions, including the police.

Until that moment, the protests had been peaceful. The chemical agent did not take effect immediately, but after an hour, when both of Cvijić's eyes were completely closed, accompanied by severe pain and irritation in the areas of his body affected by the substance. Rinsing with water and saline solution at the nearest pharmacy did not help; only after receiving medical attention at the Zemun Hospital did his symptoms begin to subside.

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) calls on the internal police control to urgently conduct an investigation and determine responsibility for this brutal abuse of power, as well as why the attack was deliberately directed at Vuk Cvijić.

We demand that the Ministry of Internal Affairs inform the public about which chemical agent was used and whether its use is permissible under the law.

We warn colleagues to carry saline solution and other means to alleviate the effects of pepper spray, tear gas, and other chemical agents to which they may be exposed. It is essential to rinse contaminated areas immediately and seek medical assistance, even if symptoms do not appear right away.

Physical attacks by police officers and individuals close to the authorities inflict injuries on journalists with the intent to prevent them from reporting.

At the same time, through insults and discreditation in tabloids and statements from the most powerful politicians, female and male journalists are targeted and exposed to threats, both publicly and via social media and personal messages, including attacks on their families. The process of detaining, holding, and destroying equipment aims at their criminalization and intimidation.

After the attempt to blind Vuk Cvijić, it is realistic to expect further escalation of violence against citizens and media workers.

We call on colleagues and citizens to show mutual solidarity and to join in protection.

Veran Matić, President of the ANEM Board and Member of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists

The project "System for Violence Prevention and Protection of Journalists" is implemented by ANEM in partnership with Insider TV and the Center for Development of Local Media, with the support of the European Union and the Balkan Democracy Fund