CRLM condemned the propaganda film about Veran Matić.

This is a crude propaganda pamphlet that contributes nothing to the public debate, but rather represents yet another attempt to criminalize, intimidate, and erase critical voices in the media landscape. Such content is part of a systematic campaign in which political propaganda is used as a tool to settle scores with journalists and media workers who refuse to comply with obedience and self-censorship.

The attack on Veran Matić is not coincidental. It is a direct consequence of his long-standing work in documenting attacks, threats, and pressures on journalists in Serbia, as well as his insistence that institutions finally start doing their job. Instead of accountability and justice, the system's response is a witch hunt.

The Center for the Development of Local Media warns that such public targeting has concrete and dangerous consequences. In a society where attacks on journalists have become almost daily occurrences, and perpetrators remain unpunished, these propaganda products directly contribute to the normalization of violence and create an environment in which the persecution of journalists is seen as legitimate and desirable.

This is not just an attack on one individual, but a message to the entire journalistic community: anyone who insists on professional standards, public interest, and critical reporting will be subjected to a public witch hunt. This is an open attempt to discipline the media and suppress freedom of expression.

We remind you that democracy does not erode abruptly, but rather in a planned and systematic manner—through propaganda, demonization of individuals, and the transformation of public space into an instrument of political reckoning. Such practices are incompatible with the fundamental principles of a democratic society and represent a serious departure of Serbia from the European values that the government declaratively upholds.

The Center for the Development of Local Media expresses full solidarity with Veran Matić and with all journalists and media workers who are subjected to organized campaigns of discreditation, and calls on domestic and international organizations, as well as relevant institutions, to urgently respond to the continuous and systematic undermining of media freedoms in Serbia.

Center for the Development of Local Media