Coalition for Media Freedom: Stop the Sinister Campaign Against Veran Matić

We have no doubt that the dehumanizing campaign against Matić is orchestrated by the highest levels of the government, considering the fact that it is being conducted in media outlets close to the authorities, and that it was propelled by the documentary film "Evil Era 2," produced by the obscure Novi Sad organization Center for Social Stability, whose leaders are individuals employed in the state apparatus.

The fact that this is an organized and targeted campaign is evidenced by the reality that the film was broadcast on numerous television stations aligned with the authorities and was heavily promoted.

In it, Matić is primitively and sensationally declared an enemy of the state and society, effectively calling for his lynching. He is labeled a "foreign agent" who has been working against Serbia for decades.

However, the film is merely part of a broader media campaign against Matić that is currently underway, which was announced by President Aleksandar Vučić last year when he publicly accused and labeled Veran Matić.

We also have no doubt that the reason for this campaign is Matić's fight for the safety of journalists at a time when they are more endangered than ever in the history of this country, as well as his advocacy for uncovering and condemning the perpetrators and instigators of the murders of journalists Dada Vujasinović, Slavko Ćuruvija, and Milan Pantić, which is clearly not in the interest of the current authorities.

We remind you that, according to the database of the Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia, last year set a dismal record for threats to journalists' safety: 383 incidents were recorded, more than double compared to the previous year. Even more alarming is the fact that in 2025, there were as many as 116 physical attacks on journalists, which is five times more than the previous, also dismal year.

Instead of protecting journalists and freedom of expression, the authorities in Serbia have declared war not only on journalists but also on those who safeguard their security.

We remind you that Matić has previously been targeted by enemies of media freedom and lived for six years under full police protection. Coalition for Media Freedom

Coalition for Media Freedom: Media Association, Association of Online Media (AOM), Independent Journalists' Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), Independent Association of Journalists of Serbia (NUNS), Business Association of Local and Independent Media "Local Press," Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and the Trade Union of Culture, Arts, and Media "Independence"