BCBP: Urgently cease the intimidation of journalists and the criminalization of journalistic work.

Such actions not only intimidate and obstruct journalists in their work, but they also have a broader effect of discouraging and criminalizing professional journalism, which leads to the deprivation of the public's right to be informed. Such practices are contrary to domestic legislation and international standards for the protection of freedom of expression and must be urgently stopped. 

In a democratic society, independent and free journalism must be protected from intimidation, pressure, and attempts at control through judicial or police measures. We remind that the Law on Information and Media of the Republic of Serbia clearly protects the right of journalists not to disclose their sources, except in exceptional cases provided for by law, and that this protection is considered fundamental to freedom of expression and the professional autonomy of the media. 

We also remind that this year Serbia has recorded a record number of attacks on journalists, with professional journalists being systematically targeted. None of these cases have been solved. Therefore, we call on state institutions to cease pressures on professional journalists and to direct their resources towards the effective investigation and resolution of attacks on journalists and media workers. 

The Integrity Network of the Belgrade Center for Security Policy