ANEM ALARM: Threats of physical violence directed at N1 journalist Mladen Savatović

ANEM and NUNS reported a threat to the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office, demanding an urgent response. The prosecutor was also provided with photographs of the attacker that were captured by an N1 cameraman. 

“Due to the manner in which the individual approached and addressed the journalist, as well as the clear use of threatening and direct messages of physical violence expressed with the evident intent to intimidate the journalist and send a threatening message, alongside the overall situation and the creation of a violent and negative narrative against journalists who critically address the actions of the authorities, particularly journalists from TV N1, we consider that the threats made in this manner are extremely dangerous, disturbing, and require an urgent response,” states the report to the First Basic Public Prosecutor's Office.

We also note that following the initial threat, the threat was effectively repeated as the individual, after what they did, returned and made it very clear and conscious to the journalist that they should be cautious. The threat was directed at the journalist due to their journalistic work being performed while carrying out their journalistic duties.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for journalists to feel unsafe while performing their work, whether investigating corruption, violations of the law, or while waiting to go live. Colleague Savatović must not be in a situation where someone threatens to break his skull simply for reporting professionally and critically. The insistence on societal polarization, the negative campaigns waged by certain political actors, and the increasing vulnerability of journalists indicate an atmosphere of fear and violence that is not conducive to holding fair, free, and democratic elections. Independent journalism is one of the strongest pillars of a progressive society, while the daily threats faced by colleagues in Serbia indicate that the current authorities prioritize everything else over peace and prosperity,” said Veran Matić, President of the Board of ANEM. 

ANEM and NUNS are urging the prosecutor's office to investigate the forms of endangering safety under Article 138, paragraph 1, in connection with paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, as well as other criminal offenses that involve violent behavior towards journalists. These two associations also request that the prosecutors thoroughly consider, gather information, and analyze the meaning of what was said, the message conveyed by that statement, its gravity, and consequences.

In this regard, it is also important to pay attention to the evidence in the form of video footage from surrounding cameras in the area of Nikola Pašić Square, add ANEM and NUNS.

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 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 Journalists and Other Vulnerable Media Workers” as part of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Freedom of Expression and Media Freedom in Serbia.”