ANEM and NUNS sent an open letter to Rector Dejan Madić regarding the events in Novi Sad.

The letter states:

“The student editorial team Blokada INFO reported from the Rectorate building and provided a program, informing the public objectively and truthfully about all events on the campus of the University of Novi Sad that evening.

According to our information, following the rough and violent actions of the police towards those gathered, the Gendarmerie and police officials, upon your call, entered the premises of the Rectorate and subsequently conducted a search of the premises and identification of individuals within the building. After the completion of these actions and measures, some individuals were detained, items deemed necessary to be confiscated were seized by the police, and students and first aid personnel were removed from the premises.

After the expulsion of the student reporters from the Rectorate, nearly all of the editorial equipment remained in the central building, from technical equipment for program execution to devices for establishing internet connections, cards, batteries, chargers, adapters, tripods, and other essential working equipment. In the following days, access to the aforementioned equipment and items was not permitted, while the police remained in the building and, according to information, prohibited access to almost all individuals.

We hereby strongly protest against the prohibition and hindrance of access to work resources and personal belongings of the Blokada INFO editorial team and other students. Given that you have mentioned multiple times in the media that you wish to speak with the students, we invite you to commence that conversation immediately.

We request that access to the equipment be granted without delay and that all personal, technical, and other remaining equipment be returned to both the editorial team and other students and their owners. In the meantime, we urge you to secure and preserve all equipment and items in the condition in which they have been forcibly left.

The editorial team of Blokada INFO reports objectively, timely, and truthfully to the public about the events it covers and enjoys protection in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia. Unfounded deprivation of property, as well as preventing and obstructing the work of journalists and media, are prohibited behaviors punishable by law.

By prohibiting access to the editorial items and equipment, the free flow of information through the media is jeopardized, and pressure is exerted on the editorial team and student reporters. Physically obstructing journalists and other individuals participating in the collection and publication of information through the media is not permitted under the Law on Public Information and Media. The freedom of public information must not be violated through the abuse of official position and public authority, property, or other rights.

We also remind you that Article 149 of the Criminal Code prohibits unauthorized prevention or obstruction of television broadcasting, and by prohibiting access to the equipment and items of the editorial team, this is, indirectly, exactly what is being done.

In order to respect media freedom and freedom of expression, we expect you to accommodate the students and the editorial team, and without delay, ensure and enable access to their equipment and personal belongings.

We are convinced that the University of Novi Sad, as a public interest institution, shares the obligation to respect academic freedoms and media freedoms and will take steps in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Serbia.

Sincerely,

Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia

Association of Independent Electronic Media

In Belgrade, September 9, 2025.”