Media Freedom Coalition: Vučić's attack on Veran Matić is an unacceptable pressure on the defenders of journalists.

Veran Matić has been dedicated for decades to the fight for media freedom, the safety of journalists, and a culture of dialogue. Therefore, we consider Vučić's statement, in which he labels him, among other things, as a person who "hates Serbia" and acts against the state, to be yet another direct and dangerous attempt at intimidation, not only of Matić personally but also of all those who dare to publicly oppose threats and attacks on journalists.

Such statements from the president represent the highest level of political pressure on independent media actors and further exacerbate the already serious situation regarding the safety of journalists in Serbia.

The president of Serbia is using his position of power to discredit one of the most active members of the mechanism for the protection of journalists, which operates precisely with the support of state institutions.

The Coalition for Media Freedom reminds that Veran Matić has so far helped dozens of journalists to obtain institutional support and legal protection.

We call on all domestic and international organizations to condemn such targeting of one of the most important actors in the field of media freedom and the protection of journalists in the region.

We urge journalists, media, and civil society organizations to show solidarity, which has never been more important than it is today.

Coalition for Media Freedom

Belgrade, July 22, 2025.

The Coalition for Media Freedom comprises: Media Association, Online Media Association (AOM), Independent Journalists' Society of Vojvodina (NDNV), Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS), Business Association of Local and Independent Media "Local Press," Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and GS KUM Independence

Source: NUNS