ANEM Alarm: Process all those who spread false news that journalists from N1 and Nova S are terrorists.

Journalists and editors at the media group United Media are exposed to unacceptable accusations and targeting that leads to constant attacks and threats. According to all statistics, journalists and editorial teams of this media group are the most frequently attacked, receiving the highest number of threats and disturbing messages.

When the head of state and the most radical tabloid media house explosively accuse journalists who work professionally and in the public interest of terrorism on the same day, it represents systemic terror by the state against freedom of speech and the media.

Instead of such gestures being clearly and unambiguously publicly condemned, the opposite occurs—they are ignored and supported for inexplicable reasons, even by governments and institutions that uphold the values of professional and responsible journalism, the rule of law, and the protection of the public interest in Europe and the world.

Therefore, we call on the governments of countries that are role models for the society we desire, characterized by solidarity, empathy, social responsibility, humanity, and concern for every citizen, to help us in times that are crucial for the future we will choose.

We urge the media and international associations to pay much more attention to events in Serbia, which are increasingly marked by violence from authorities directed at existential demands and universal values of society.

In a heated social atmosphere where pro-regime media have been escalating tensions for days, accompanied by constant branding of traitors and foreign mercenaries by the highest holders of power who are aware of the consequences of their words, the media community can only understand such targeting during social unrest as an open call for lynching against United Media, its media workers, and members of the Permanent Working Group for the Safety of Journalists.

In Serbia, there are fewer and fewer professional media and journalists, a fact recognized by all relevant associations as well as institutions of the European Commission. At the same time, there are no activities that would at least halt this negative trend. Not to mention the lack of support that would enable the revitalization of European aspirations, the defense of the public interest, and the freedom of speech that are fundamentally threatened. Therefore, we once again warn the international community that there are more than enough indicators for these claims and that urgent action is necessary. Time is running out—if it has not already run out.

Veran Matić, President of the Board of ANEM

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