CPJ: Authorities should condemn and stop the campaign against Veran Matić.
Atila Mong, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) representative for Europe, wrote on the social media platform X that he stands in solidarity with journalist and media freedom advocate Veran Matić, who is also the recipient of the International Press Freedom Award, and who is facing a smear campaign in pro-government media that could endanger his life.
"Authorities must condemn these attacks, stop them immediately, and ensure his safety," his message states.
Let us recall that the national frequency televisions B92 and Prva, as well as the cable television Informer, aired a documentary about Veran Matić during prime evening slots, which, according to assessments from journalistic and media associations, could cause serious consequences and jeopardize the safety of the President of the Board of the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), Veran Matić.
The film dangerously targets the President of the ANEM Board by distorting facts, framing them within a narrative and context that portrays Matić as a traitor to Serbia, a foreign mercenary, and an agent, along with accusations of embezzling large sums of money, thereby indirectly calling for a lynching of Veran Matić.
This film, titled "Evil Era," is attributed to the Center for Social Stability, which is already known for similar works that label media, organizations, and individuals who critically speak out about government activities, as well as societal and state issues, in the most horrific terms.
