ANEM ALARM: The President of the Palilula Municipality pushed journalist Veselin Petrović.

The journalist arrived at the municipal offices to obtain answers to questions regarding the controversial public procurement of books for students. ANEM considers it unacceptable for public officials to respond to questions of public interest with physical and verbal attacks, attempts to seize equipment, and obstructing the work of journalists. We call on the relevant institutions to urgently respond to the attack on the journalist and take appropriate measures.

Public officials are obligated to demonstrate a higher degree of tolerance towards questions and criticism from journalists, especially when it comes to the handling of public funds. It is their duty to act responsibly and transparently, rather than jeopardizing the safety of journalists and obstructing them in their work.

We remind that the same journalist was a victim of a physical attack by the police just two days ago while reporting in front of the Pink television building, when, despite clearly displaying his press credentials, he was struck with a shield and an official baton, while a police officer stepped on the phone he was using to record the event.  

ANEM expects an urgent and effective response from the relevant institutions, both regarding the police attack on Petrović in front of the Pink television building and concerning the attack within the premises of the Palilula City Municipality. The absence of accountability for violence against journalists further encourages attackers and endangers the public's right to be informed about matters of public interest.

Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM)

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