EC: We have received a letter from N1, and we are concerned about the increasing pressure on journalists – authorities must take urgent action.
The EU demands full respect for media freedoms from Serbia, said the spokesperson for the President of the European Commission, Paola Pinjo, at an official briefing of the institution. She responded to a question from N1 regarding the letter we sent to EU institutions about the escalation of threats against journalists from our organization.
“I can confirm that we received the letter from N1 and that we will respond to it in due time,” said Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier.
“We are concerned about the increasing pressure and attacks that journalists are facing in the context of student and civic protests. We expect the relevant authorities to urgently respond to this and all other cases of attacks and ensure an effective judicial resolution in all cases, so that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Mercier stated.
He reminded of the values of the EU, which Serbia has also committed to uphold.
“Media freedoms represent one of the essential foundations of a democratic society and a fundamental right in the EU. Therefore, they are a key element of Serbia's EU accession process and an important transitional criterion that must be met within Chapter 23 of the negotiation process,” he noted, and in response to the question about the lack of institutional reactions to threats, he warned that the state has an obligation to provide a safe working environment for journalists.
He added, “We expect Serbia to create an encouraging environment in which media freedom and freedom of expression can be realized without hindrance. It is crucial that journalists can perform their work without threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation, so that citizens have access to all information.”
The EC spokesperson calls on the authorities to stop targeting journalists.
“We expect high officials to refrain from verbal attacks and threats directed at journalists,” Mercier said in response to a question from N1.
The editorial team of N1 Serbia sent a letter to the highest European officials and institutions, warning about a serious and coordinated campaign of pressure and threats faced by journalists, amid the absence of responses from the relevant institutions.
The letter states that attacks have escalated following reporting on civic protests, with President Vučić and pro-government media leading the targeting of the editorial team, including labeling N1 as a “terrorist media outlet.”
The editorial team calls for an urgent and decisive response from the international community in protecting media freedom and the safety of journalists.
Source: N1
Related Articles
The Court of Appeals confirmed: Verica Marinčić and IN Media have eight days to pay 160,000 dinars.
Response of the Independent Journalists' Association to the Committee for Culture and Information: Six proposed candidates do not meet the criteria for members of the REM Council.
