Commission for Appeals of the Press Council: Novosti, Informer, and Alo violated the Serbian Journalists' Code with their articles about Veran Matić.

These media outlets published articles titled "Veran Matić – a great martyr or a liar? Watch the footage and judge for yourself who was actually attacked," "This is how Veran Matić was 'attacked': He filmed people, entered into a debate, and then calmly walked into the Assembly," and "My tears fall for you: The grieving Veran Matić harassed people and is now crying and playing the victim," in which it is claimed that Matić insulted, harassed, and attacked a person who took his phone. Surveillance footage from the Serbian Assembly, which was unlawfully provided to these media outlets, was used as "evidence."

In response to the complaint, the editorial team of Večernje novosti stated that Veran Matić was in a pedestrian zone where filming is allegedly prohibited, that "his behavior endangered the safety of the members of the Serbian Parliament," and that "the headline of the article is actually a humorous description of the event." The response further stated that "the subject headline actually represents a part of the text of the authorial song 'Pile' by the late Marina Tucaković, which was popularized by Svetlana Ceca Ražnatović."

Commission member Tamara Skrozza noted that it is commendable that Novosti regularly responds to complaints, but emphasized that such a response is "mockery of a person's life" and that it is "not only rude but also very dangerous."

Commission member Jelena Petković emphasized:

“These articles cannot be viewed outside the broader context of an organized and dangerous campaign against Veran Matić, which directly threatens his safety. Since the beginning of the year, he has received dozens of threats, while hundreds of insults and falsehoods about him have been posted on social media.

The pinnacle of this campaign is represented by the so-called documentary film from the Center for Social Stability, but this dangerous machinery also includes tabloids and newly emerged obscure podcasts that label independent journalists and professional media as hydras.

Just today, journalistic associations reacted to yet another such threat after a comment was posted below Matić's guest appearance: ‘Let’s cut off the hydra’s head.’ Instead of the decisions of the Press Council and statements from journalistic associations contributing to stopping such occurrences, we are witnessing their further spread.

This is a campaign organized from a single center, attacking Veran Matić through various media formats, with these contents mutually reinforcing and amplifying each other, creating a sinister image of him in the public eye. Considering at least part of what he has gone through, I believe that Veran Matić's safety is seriously threatened, and I am extremely concerned about what might happen to him if this campaign is not stopped.”

The Complaints Commission of the Press Council unanimously concluded that Večernje novosti, Informer, and Alo violated the Journalists' Code of Serbia and that provisions relating to the truthfulness of reporting, journalists' responsibility, respect for personal dignity, and the use of honorable means in gathering and publishing information have been breached.